Paleontology and Stratigraphy of the Carboniferous Rocks of the Placitas Region, Northern Sandia Mountains, Sandoval County, New Mexico

Author

Donald Francis Toomey

Publication Date

3-20-1953

Abstract

A paleontologic and lithologic study of the Carboniferous rocks of the northern Sandia Mountains demonstrates that this predominantly marine sequence is divisible into several important series which are recognizable elsewhere.

The pre-Pennsylvanian rocks lack diagnostic fossils. However, correlation with a fossiliferous sequence in the southern Nacimiento Mountains, based on similar lithology and stratigraphic position, indicates a middle mississippian Meramec age for these rocks. The thickness ranges from 21 to 81 feet; they consist mainly of limestone associated with basal elastics. This sequence lies directly on Pre-Cambrian rocks. Nine sections have been measured and are shown geographically on three plates.

Unconformably overlying the pre-Pennsylvanian sequence are Pennsylvanian rocks which, following earlier usage, have been divided into two formations: the elastic Sandia formation and the Madera limestone.

Degree Name

Earth and Planetary Sciences

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences

First Committee Member (Chair)

Stuart Alvord Northrop

Second Committee Member

J. Paul Fitzsimmons

Third Committee Member

Sherman Alexander Wengerd

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

Recommended Citation

Toomey, Donald Francis. "Paleontology and Stratigraphy of the Carboniferous Rocks of the Placitas Region, Northern Sandia Mountains, Sandoval County, New Mexico." (1953). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/eps_etds/224