Sinbad Formation

Sinbad Formation
Stratigraphic range: Early Triassic Epoch
Diagram of San Rafael Swell Moenkopi Members
TypeFormation
Unit ofThaynes Group
UnderliesTorrey Member
OverliesBlack Dragon Member
AreaCanyonlands National Park
Thickness10–103 feet
Location
RegionUtah
CountryUnited States
Type section
Named byJames Gilluly and J.B. Reeside Jr.

The Sinbad Formation is a geologic formation in Utah initially named and described by James Gilluly and J. B. Reeside Junior in the 1920s. It is known for preserving fossils dating back to the Early Triassic epoch.[1]

Originally described as the Sinbad Limestone Member, it was one of four members in the San Rafael Swell including also the Black Dragon Member, Torrey Member and Moody Canyon Member. The Sinbad Limestone Member was considered a portion of the greater Moenkopi Formation. It was recently elevated to formation rank, as the Sinbad Formation, and referred to the Thaynes Group.[2]

The Sinbad Formation is made up of beds of yellowish-gray limestone, dolomite, quartz sandstone, siltstone and, conglomerate rock.[3][4] These beds range in thickness from 10 ft (3.0 m) to 103 ft (31 m) and hold fossils of Meekoceras ammonoid fauna from the Olenekian stage (Smithian substage).[1] The area was once covered in shallow seawater that deposited sediments and marine life that would later comprise the sandstone formation. The formation has been researched and characterized by scientists since its initial discovery in 1928.[1][3][5][6] In addition to research performed on the formation's geology and fossil stores scientists have also prospected the area for oil and other valuable natural resources.[3][4][6] Although the formation appears to have characteristics of an oil reserve the Sinbad Formation has not undergone significant drilling.[3][4]

  1. ^ a b c Batten, Roger; Stokes, William (1986). Early Triassic Gastropods from the Sinbad Member of the Moenkopi Formation, San Rafael Swell, Utah. New York: American Museum of Natural History.
  2. ^ Lucas, Spencer G.; Krainer, Karl; Milner, Andrew R. C. (2007). "The type section and age of the Timpoweap Member and stratigraphic nomenclature of the Triassic Moenkopi Group in Southwestern Utah". New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science Bulletin. 40: 109–117.
  3. ^ a b c d Cite error: The named reference GillulyResources was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ a b c Cite error: The named reference Osborn was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference Goodspeed was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference Smith was invoked but never defined (see the help page).