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Monkton Quartzite

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Monkton Quartzite
Stratigraphic range: Cambrian
TypeFormation
Location
Region Vermont
Country United States

The Monkton Quartzite is a geologic formation in Vermont. It preserves fossils dating back to the middle of the Cambrian period.

Geology

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The Monkton Quartzite consists of red ferruginous quartzite interbedded with lesser buff and white quartzites.[1] Additionally, there are thick sections of dolomite (dolomstone) containing algal laminations similar to the Winooski Dolostone.[1] The Monkton Quartzite preserves many primary sedimentary features, including wave-action ripples, rain-drop imprints, trilobite tracks, and burrows.[2] The unit contains shallowing upward cycles of subtidal sand shoals overlain by intertidal beds of sand and silt. This shows a prograding tidal flat during a time of clastic deposition on the passive margin of Laurentia.[3][4] Below the erosionally-resistant rocks of the Monkton lies the Dunham Dolostone, and above lies the Winooski Dolostone.[1] The Monkton Quartzite is well exposed at the Redstone Quarry in South Burlington Vermont. Here, the Monkton Quartzites have been thrust to the west by the Champlain Thrust.[3]

Geology student in front of Monkton Formation outside of Burlington, Vermont.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c "Monkton Quartzite (VTCAm;0)". mrdata.usgs.gov. Retrieved 2016-02-29.
  2. ^ "Rocks of Shelburne". www.uvm.edu. Archived from the original on 2016-03-05. Retrieved 2016-02-29.
  3. ^ a b West, D., Kim, J., Klepeis, K., and Webber, J., 2011, Classic Bedrock Teaching Localities in the Champlain Valley between Middlebury and Burlington, Vermont: in West, D., editor, New England Intercollegiate Geological Conference: Guidebook for Field Trips in Vermont and adjacent New York, 103rd Annual Meeting, Middlebury, Vermont, Trip B1
  4. ^ Merhtens, C.J., Parker, R., Butler, R., The Cambrian Platform in Northwestern Vermont in NEIGC Guidebook for Field Trips Vol 2, 79th Meeting, 1987
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