2002 Denver Annual Meeting (October 27-30, 2002)

Paper No. 18
Presentation Time: 1:30 PM-5:30 PM

STRATIGRAPHIC CORRELATION OF THE EARLY CENOZOIC INTERMONTANE LACUSTRINE DEPOSITS OF WYOMING, COLORADO, AND UTAH


KESTER Sr, Paul R., Geology and Paleontology Division, Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Univ of Washington, Box 353010, Seattle, WA 98195-3010 and AASE, Arvid K., Fossil Butte National Monument, P.O. Box 592, Kemmerer, WY 83101, arvid_aase@nps.gov

Compilation of paleomagnetic, biostratigraphic, and geochronologic data from the intermontane lacustrine basins of Wyoming, Colorado, and Utah provide a magneto-biostratigraphic framework for regional stratigraphic correlation. Alternating sequences of well-developed paleosols, alluvial and fluvial mudstone and sandstone deposits (Wasatch, Willwood, Wind River, and Bridger formations), and lacustrine shale and limestone deposits (Green River, Tatman, and Wind River formations) characterize the various intermontane basins. The alternating fluvial and lacustrine sediments preserve a well-documented mammalian succession through the Clarkforkian, Wasatchian, and Bridgerian North American Land Mammal Ages (NALMA) allowing for biostratigraphic correlation between the various basins.