Kortrijk Formation

The Kortrijk Formation (Dutch: Formatie van Kortrijk; French: Formation de Courtrai; abbreviation: Ko; named after the West-Flemish city of Kortrijk) is a geologic formation in the Belgian subsurface. This formation crops out in northern Hainaut, southern West- and East-Flanders and in Walloon Brabant. The formation consists of marine clay from the Ypresian age (early Eocene, about 54 million years old).[1][2]

Kortrijk Formation
Stratigraphic range: Ypresian
~54 Ma
TypeGeological formation
Unit ofIeper Group
Sub-unitsMont Héribu Member
Orchies or Saint-Maur Member
Moen or Roubaix Member
Aalbeke Member
UnderliesTielt Formation
OverliesLanden Group
 Tienen & Hannut Formations
Thicknessup to 125 m (410 ft)
Lithology
PrimaryMarine claystone
Location
RegionHainaut, West-, East-Flanders & Walloon Brabant
Country Belgium
ExtentCampine Basin
Type section
Named forKortrijk
RegionWest-Flanders

Description

The Kortrijk Formation consists predominantly of clay, sometimes sandy or silty. The formation generally becomes sandier to the east, in Brabant and the Campine area. In some places fossils or bioturbation occur. In the westernmost part of Belgium it can be 125 metres (410 ft) thick, but it gradually wedges out to the east.[2]

Subdivision

The Kortrijk Formation is subdivided into at least four members: the Mont Héribou, Orchies or Saint-Maur, Moen or Roubaix and the Aalbeke Member. The Kortrijk Formation forms the lowest part of the Ieper Group and is stratigraphically overlain by the younger Tielt Formation (late Ypresian marine sand), part of the same group. The Kortrijk Formation lies on top of late Paleocene formations like the Tienen Formation or Hannut Formation, both part of the Landen Group.[1][2]

See also

References

  1. Steurbaut, 2006, p.76
  2. Kortrijk Formation - National Commission on the Stratigraphy of Belgium

Bibliography

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