Event Title
Evaluation of Depositional Environments in the Upper Ordovician Kope Formation, Kentucky
Presentation Type
Poster/Portfolio
Presenter Major(s)
Geochemistry, Geology
Mentor Information
Patricia Videtich, videticp@gvsu.edu
Department
Geology
Location
Kirkhof Center KC65
Start Date
13-4-2011 9:00 AM
End Date
13-4-2011 10:00 AM
Keywords
Physical Science
Abstract
The Kope Formation is a located in northern Kentucky and southern Ohio. It is a major package of shale-dominated strata which lies between the limestone-dominated Point Pleasant (below) and Fairview (above) Formations. All three formations are part of the Edenian Stage (Cincinnatian Series) estimated to be 445.5 to 449.5 million years old (Upper Ordovician). The Kope and Fairview Formations are composed of cyclic beds of limestone and shale. Although the Kope Formation is treated as a single formation, recent studies suggest members and submembers better describes its cyclic nature. Three limestone samples were collected from the Kope at Lower Holst Creek, Kentucky, and analyzed for fossil and rock types. Two samples are likely from the Fulton Submember, whereas the third is from younger strata. Based on the literature, the samples likely formed in a storm-dominated environment. We correlate our samples with cycles identified in the Kope Formation.
Evaluation of Depositional Environments in the Upper Ordovician Kope Formation, Kentucky
Kirkhof Center KC65
The Kope Formation is a located in northern Kentucky and southern Ohio. It is a major package of shale-dominated strata which lies between the limestone-dominated Point Pleasant (below) and Fairview (above) Formations. All three formations are part of the Edenian Stage (Cincinnatian Series) estimated to be 445.5 to 449.5 million years old (Upper Ordovician). The Kope and Fairview Formations are composed of cyclic beds of limestone and shale. Although the Kope Formation is treated as a single formation, recent studies suggest members and submembers better describes its cyclic nature. Three limestone samples were collected from the Kope at Lower Holst Creek, Kentucky, and analyzed for fossil and rock types. Two samples are likely from the Fulton Submember, whereas the third is from younger strata. Based on the literature, the samples likely formed in a storm-dominated environment. We correlate our samples with cycles identified in the Kope Formation.