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.

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS
 
Apr 10th, 11:00 AM Apr 10th, 12:00 PM

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.