Geology of Gotland

[2] Sedimentary rocks cropping out in Gotland were deposited in a shallow, hot and salty sea, on the edge of an equatorial continent.

[3] The water depth never exceeded 175–200 m (574–656 ft),[4] and shallowed over time as bioherm detritus, and terrestrial sediments, filled the basin.

[1] Some sandstones are present in the youngest rocks towards the south of the island, which represent sand bars deposited very close to the shore line.

The economic activities influenced by geology include forestry, farming, cement production and quarrying building stones.

[11] During the industrial age demand for Gotland limestone came from pulp mills, sugar refineries and iron works.

[12] The intended opening of a new limestone quarry in the 2010s in northern Gotland has led to a substantial conflict between environmentalists and those who support the project.

[14] On September 1, 2016, previous permission to expand quarrying was revoked by Swedish courts citing the recent expansion of a nearby Natura 2000 conservation area.

[15] Exploratory wells have revealed the existence of petroleum oil of Lower Paleozoic age beneath Gotland.