Elko_Formation

Elko Formation

Elko Formation

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The Elko Formation, also known as Elko Shale(s), is an oil shale geologic formation in Elko County, northern Nevada, United States. The deltaic and lacustrine shales and limestones preserve fossils dating back to the Middle Eocene of the Paleogene to Middle Miocene of the Neogene period. The frog genus Elkobatrachus and ant species Pseudocamponotus elkoanus were named after the formation.

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Metasequoia occidentalis
Elko Formaiton

Description

The formation ranges in age from the Middle Eocene (Uintan), with the underlying lower member dated at 46.1 ± 0.1 Ma and the upper member of the Eocene section dated at 38.9 ± 0.3 Ma.[1]

A younger section is dated to the Late Eocene to Early Oligocene (37.2 to 28.4 Ma)[2] and the Elko Shale member is dated to the Middle Miocene (16.0 to 11.6 Ma).[3]

Fossil content

The following fossils were reported from the formation:[1][2][3]

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Elko Formation.

References

  1. [1]
    Elkobatrachus type locality at Fossilworks.org
  2. [2]
    Central Pacific Railroad shaft, Elko at Fossilworks.org
  3. [3]
    Miopelodytes type locality at Fossilworks.org

Further reading

  • A. C. Henrici and S. R. Haynes. 2006. Elkobatrachus brocki, a new pelobatid (Amphibia: Anura) from the Eocene Elko Formation of Nevada. Annals of Carnegie Museum 75(1):11-35
  • E. H. Taylor. 1941. A new anuran from the middle Miocene of Nevada. University of Kansas Science Bulletin 27(4):61-69
  • F. M. Carpenter. 1930. The Fossil Ants of North America. Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University 70:1-66
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