Event Title
Deformation Characteristics and Mechanisms in the Upper Ordovician Point Pleasant Formation, Northern Kentucky
Presentation Type
Poster/Portfolio
Presenter Major(s)
Geology
Mentor Information
Patricia Videtich
Department
Geology
Location
Henry Hall Atrium 64
Start Date
10-4-2013 10:00 AM
End Date
10-4-2013 11:00 AM
Keywords
Physical Science
Abstract
The Upper Ordovician Point Pleasant Formation, located in northern Kentucky, is composed of two deformed biosparite beds, a chaotic layer, and two conglomerate beds. This study targets the Locust Creek Member. The literature indicates that this member is cyclic, with beds composed of basal biosparite overlain by shale and a thick interval of biosparite with folded laminations. Our focus is to quantify the deformation (e.g., twins and pressure solution) displayed by the calcite cement and skeletal grains in thin sections of the folded laminations. We will do this through microscopic analysis using point counts on a subset of samples, which will be selected on the basis of the amount of deformation displayed. We aim to answer two questions: (1) What were the triggering mechanisms and paleogeographic conditions responsible for deformation?, and (2) Is the deformation typical of that produced by waves, sliding and slumping, density inversion, overpressuring, or seismic activity?
Deformation Characteristics and Mechanisms in the Upper Ordovician Point Pleasant Formation, Northern Kentucky
Henry Hall Atrium 64
The Upper Ordovician Point Pleasant Formation, located in northern Kentucky, is composed of two deformed biosparite beds, a chaotic layer, and two conglomerate beds. This study targets the Locust Creek Member. The literature indicates that this member is cyclic, with beds composed of basal biosparite overlain by shale and a thick interval of biosparite with folded laminations. Our focus is to quantify the deformation (e.g., twins and pressure solution) displayed by the calcite cement and skeletal grains in thin sections of the folded laminations. We will do this through microscopic analysis using point counts on a subset of samples, which will be selected on the basis of the amount of deformation displayed. We aim to answer two questions: (1) What were the triggering mechanisms and paleogeographic conditions responsible for deformation?, and (2) Is the deformation typical of that produced by waves, sliding and slumping, density inversion, overpressuring, or seismic activity?