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Cretaceous Geology: Places

This page was written by Jen Aschoff as part of the DLESE Community Services Project: Integrating Research in Education.

Cretaceous strata exposed in the Book Cliffs near Green River, Utah. Photo by J. Aschoff. Details

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Places to see Cretaceous Geology

Resources containing photos and descriptions of places to see Cretaceous Geology.
  • Introduction to the Cretaceous Geology of Texas and Other States. The goal of this site is to form a database for Cretaceous rocks of North America. The site provides a discussion of Cretaceous stratigraphy with maps and cross sections that illustrate Cretaceous formations of Texas and an extensive bibliography for additional information. Diagrams and discussions of Cretaceous geology in several states can also be accessed by clicking on the appropriate state in the navigation bar to the left. (more info)
  • Touring Colorado Geology. This site is a portal to several online tours throughout Colorado. An array of rock types, stratigraphic units, paleoenvironments, structural geology, archeological sites and landscapes are discussed in the tours. Tours include the Red Rocks area, Cave of the Winds, Mesa Verde National Park, Pikes Peak, Parfet Prehistoric Preserve, Dinosaur Ridge, Garden of the Gods, Colorado National Monument, Rocky Mountain National Park and Dinosaur National Monument. (more info)
  • Touring Colorado Geology: Kenosha Pass to Fairplay, CO. This site is an illustrated field guide that explains the geology of Colorado. A series of landscape and outcrop photographs with descriptions for each photo are provided. Outcrop photos of the Cretaceous Fox Hills Sandstone, Pierre Shale and Dakota Sandstone, as well as some older strata show good examples of bioturbation, cross-bedding and sandstone channels. A location map, geologic map, stratigraphic columns, correlation chart, glossary and close-up views of rocks are included as links. (more info)
  • Touring Colorado Geology: Parfet Prehistoric Preserve. This site contains several outcrop photos of the Upper Cretaceous Laramie Formation from the Parfet Prehistoric Preserve. Exceptionally-preserved, 70 Million year-old dinosaur tracks, palm frond impressions and raindrop impressions are featured on this site. Specific topics include Cretaceous climate, vertebrates, ceratopsian and hadrosaur footprints, burrows, mudrock, sandstone and cast formation. Additional information and photographs are obtained by clicking on the top page photos. (more info)
  • Virtual Field Trip to the Austin Chalk Group. This virtual field trip explores the Upper Cretaceous, Austin Chalk Group and provides visitors with an understanding of the geology of central Texas. Visitors can access information about any formation within the Austin Chalk Group by clicking on a portion of the stratigraphic column. Descriptions, photographs, fossil content and environmental interpretations of each unit are provided. Specific topics include the geology of central Texas, Atco Formation, Vinson Chalk, Jonah Formation, Dessau Chalk, Burditt Marl, Pflugerville Formation and the historical development of regional stratigraphic nomenclature. (more info)

Cretaceous Geology in the Parks

Resources describing Cretaceous geology in National Parks.
  • Geology Fieldnotes: Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah. This site features geologic information, maps, and visitor information for Bryce Canyon National Park. The discussion covers the geologic history of the area (Cretaceous Seaway), some of the stratigraphy (Claron Formation), and the process of differential erosion that produced the park's spectacular landforms ('hoodoos', spires, pinnacles). There are also brief discussions of Native American inhabitation of the area and 19th century exploration of the area by Europeans. Other materials include an image gallery, links to related websites, and general information about the park's education and intrepretive programs. (more info)
  • Geology Fieldnotes: Capitol Reef National Park, Utah. This site provides geologic information, maps, and visitor information for Capitol Reef National Park. The geologic discussion covers the Waterpocket Fold, a classic monocline of Cretaceous-Eocene age, the stratigraphy of the sedimentary rocks (Permian-Cretaceous) of the Capitol Reef, the erosional features of Cathedral Valley, and the general role of erosion in the formation of the park's landscapes. Other materials include an image gallery, links to related websites, and general information about the park's education and intrepretive programs. (more info)
  • Geology Fieldnotes: Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. This site provides general geologic information, maps, and visitor information for Grand Teton National Park. The geologic discussion covers the park's mountain-building history and regional structure, soils, geomorphology of the Snake and Gros Ventre rivers and other streams, volcanism, and glacial history. References are provided. Other materials include an image gallery, links to related websites, and general information about the park's education and intrepretive programs. (more info)
  • Geology Fieldnotes: Mojave National Preserve, California. This Mojave National Preserve site contains park geology information, park maps, photographs, and visitor information. The park geology section discusses the Preserve's Soda Lake, Mitchell Caverns, Kelso Dunes National Landmark, Granite Mountains, Hole-in-the-Wall, and the Cinder Cones National Natural Landmark, and contains a link to a geologic time scale of events in East Mojave. The park maps section includes the following maps: Mojave Desert Drainage System: Pluvial Lakes and Playas; Pediments in Part of Mojave National Park; Geologic Map Showing Distribution of Cinder Cones and Ages and Extent of Lava Flows; and a location map showing Cretaceous batholiths and major faults that cut the granite. (more info)


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