Hopewell Cape, NB
Carboniferous Conglomerate – 350 million years ago
Uniquely shaped reddish cliffs of 350-million- year-old rock conglomerate and sandstone comprise the famous “flower pot” rock formations at the Hopewell Rocks. This conglomerate was formed as rocks and pebbles, washed down from a regional mountain range, were compressed and cemented together over millions of years.
During a later period of tectonic activity, these layers of conglomerate, sandstone, and shale were lifted up and tilted to a 30-45º angle. Vertical cracks or fissures divided the rock into large blocks, which Fundy's tides have since eroded into sea caves and huge carved-rock formations. Low tide visitors walking on the ocean floor at Hopewell Rocks can see the evidence of this tilting in the layers of rock in the rock face; the vertical cracks which are the genesis of new rock formations; and the telltale high-tide marks along the cliffs.
Article Courtesy www.bayoffundytourism.com