Géologique de Pontlevoy Regional Nature Reserve
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| Géologique de Pontlevoy Regional Nature Reserve | |
|---|---|
 Interactive map of Géologique de Pontlevoy Regional Nature Reserve | |
| Location | Loir-et-Cher, France |
| Nearest city | Pontlevoy |
| Coordinates | 47°23′51″N 1°15′47″E / 47.3974°N 1.2631°E |
| Area | 312 ha |
| Established | 15 April 2011 |
| Governing body | C.D.P.N.E. Loir-et-Cher |
| Pontlevoy Geologic Formation | |
|---|---|
| Stratigraphic range: | |
| Type | Fossil site |
| Lithology | |
| Primary | Limestone |
| Location | |
| Coordinates | 47°23′51″N 1°15′47″E / 47.3974°N 1.2631°E |
| Region | Centre-Val de Loire |
| Country | France |
| Type section | |
| Named for | Pontlevoy |
  Géologique de Pontlevoy Regional Nature Reserve (France) | |
The Géologique de Pontlevoy Regional Nature Reserve is a regional nature reserve located in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France. Established in 2011, it spreads over 1.91 hectares (4.7 acres) and protects a former Beauce limestone quarry preserving faluns.[1]
The territory of the nature reserve is in the Loir-et-Cher department, in the domain of the Pontlevoy commune. It is located in the north of the commune, along the D764. Its small size makes it the fourteenth smallest nature reserve in France.[2]
History of the site and reserve
The site was initially established as a voluntary nature reserve in 1979.
Ecology (biodiversity, ecological interest, etc.)
The site interest is mostly geological and paleontological. It consists of a Beauce limestone quarry whose banks are sometimes covered in faluns. Those deposited at the bottom of a warm and shallow sea at the beginning of the middle Miocene (Langhian), approximately between 16 and 14 Ma. The site presents a large fossil diversity.
Geology
The site bears Langhian faluns, Burdigalian sands and marls, and Aquitanian limestone.