Hermit Formation

Hermit Formation
Stratigraphic range: Permian, Early Leonardian[1][2] 275–270 Ma
↓

(Isis Temple, central Grand Canyon)
The 3 top geologic units visible:
3)-(white-cliffs-prominence)-Coconino Sandstone, 2)-(slope-forming-Deep brnsh-red)-Hermit Formation, 1)-(red-uppermost-vertical-cliff & resistant)-Esplanade Sandstone (top unit of 4–member Supai Group)
(Note: Distinctive Redwall Limestone upper horizontal-platform.)
Type Geological formation
Underlies Coconino Sandstone
Overlies Supai Group
Thickness 900 feet (270 m), at maximum
Lithology
Primary siltstone and mudstone
Other sandstone
Location
Region Northern Arizona, southeast California, southeast Nevada, and southern Utah
Country United States of America
Type section
Named for Hermit basin, Coconino County, Arizona[3]
Named by Noble (1923)[3]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Hermit Formation.

The Permian Hermit Formation, also known as the Hermit Shale, is a nonresistant unit that is composed of slope-forming reddish brown siltstone, mudstone, and very fine-grained sandstone. Within the Grand Canyon region, the upper part of the Hermit Formation contains red and white, massive, calcareous sandstone and siltstone beds that exhibit low-angle cross-bedding. Beds of dark red crumbly siltstone fill shallow paleochannels that are quite common in this formation. The siltstone beds often contain poorly preserved plant fossils. The Hermit Formation varies in thickness from about 100 feet (30 m) in the eastern part of the Grand Canyon region to about 900 feet (270 m) in the region of Toroweap and Shivwits Plateaus. In the Sedona, Arizona area, it averages 300 feet (91 m) in thickness. The upper contact of the Hermit Formation is typically sharp and lacks gradation of any kind. The lower contact is a disconformity characterized by a significant amount of erosional relief, including paleovalleys as much as 60 feet (18 m) deep.[1]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Blakey, RC (2003) Supai Group and Hermit Formation in: Beus, S.S., Morales, M., eds., pp. 136-162, Grand Canyon Geology, 2nd. Oxford University Press, New York.
  2. ↑ Anonymous (2006i) Hermit Formation. Stratigraphy of the Parks of the Colorado Plateau. U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia.
  3. 1 2 Noble LF (1923) A section of the Paleozoic formations of the Grand Canyon at the Bass Trail. Shorter contributions to general geology, 1922: Professional Paper no. 131-B. U.S. Geological Survey, Washington DC, p. B23-B73.

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