Are the Cyclical Lithologies in the Upper Ordovician Fairview Formation in Kentucky Storm Deposits?
Presentation Type
Poster/Portfolio
Presenter Major(s)
Geology, Earth Science
Mentor Information
Patricia Videtich
Department
Geology
Location
Henry Hall Atrium 62
Start Date
10-4-2013 11:00 AM
End Date
10-4-2013 12:00 PM
Keywords
Environment, Physical Science
Abstract
The Upper Ordovician Fairview Formation, part of the Cincinnati Arch, spans Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana. Rock samples collected from northern Kentucky in the winters of 2010 and 2011 indicate cyclical storm deposits in agreement with the literature. We qualitatively classified the samples as ranging from lime mudstone to packstone in a coarsening upward sequence. We have observed an apparent repetition of this sequence indicating cyclical deposition with mudstone beds (low energy) abruptly overlying a coarsening upward sequence (increasing energy). We will also quantify the rock components by point counting seven thin sections using a petrographic microscope. By point counting thin sections we are able to quantify the fossils present, which will help determine the depositional environment. The occurrence of relatively deep-dwelling organisms (brachiopods) mixed with shallow-dwelling organisms (corals) may indicate storm deposition.
Are the Cyclical Lithologies in the Upper Ordovician Fairview Formation in Kentucky Storm Deposits?
Henry Hall Atrium 62
The Upper Ordovician Fairview Formation, part of the Cincinnati Arch, spans Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana. Rock samples collected from northern Kentucky in the winters of 2010 and 2011 indicate cyclical storm deposits in agreement with the literature. We qualitatively classified the samples as ranging from lime mudstone to packstone in a coarsening upward sequence. We have observed an apparent repetition of this sequence indicating cyclical deposition with mudstone beds (low energy) abruptly overlying a coarsening upward sequence (increasing energy). We will also quantify the rock components by point counting seven thin sections using a petrographic microscope. By point counting thin sections we are able to quantify the fossils present, which will help determine the depositional environment. The occurrence of relatively deep-dwelling organisms (brachiopods) mixed with shallow-dwelling organisms (corals) may indicate storm deposition.