IDENTIFICATION AND MAPPING OF GREENLAND GAP GROUP (UPPER DEVONIAN) UNITS ON THE EAST FLANK OF SIDELING HILL SYNCLINE, HAMPSHIRE, HARDY AND MORGAN COUNTIES, WV

Few Upper Devonian Greenland Gap Group geological studies have been conducted in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia in Hampshire, Hardy and Morgan Counties. The current investigation area is located on the eastern limb of Sideling Hill Syncline, making it the easternmost attempt at a paleo-stratigraphic interpretation of the Greenland Gap Group. The present study focuses on (i) mapping the Greenland Gap Group members, (ii) collecting and identifying fossils, (iii) constructing isopach maps, (iv) interpreting depositional environments, and most importantly, (v) correlating the stratigraphy with previously identified units of the Greenland Gap Group. Throughout the study area, abrupt lithologic changes are interpreted as upper and lower unit contact markers. A geologic map was constructed with field-truthed units and aerial photographic interpretation. Fossiliferous horizons located within members enabled correlating with the identified taxa from previous investigations. Specifically, brachiopod and bivalve fossils were used to reconstruct paleoenvironments. Isopach maps were constructed from thickness measurements of members obtained during fieldwork for interpreting depositional environments. Results show that Greenland Gap Group members previously designated elsewhere can be extended to the eastern limb of Sideling Hill Syncline. The strata of the Upper Devonian Greenland Gap Group represent a marine regression accompanying the Catskill Delta growth from the east. The upward sequence from deep water turbidity current deposits, to gradually shallower water deposits, to the overlying terrestrial red bed units of the Hampshire Formation are preserved in the stratigraphic column by lithologic variations and fossil assemblages.