Tensleep Sandstone

The Tensleep Sandstone is a geological formation of Pennsylvanian to very early Permian age in Wyoming.[2]

Tensleep Formation
Stratigraphic range: Late Pennsylvanian-very Early Permian
~308–298 Ma
TypeGeological formation
UnderliesPhosphoria & Chugwater Formations
OverliesSacajewea & Amsden Formations
Thicknessup to 535 feet (160 m)
Lithology
PrimarySandstone
OtherLimestone
Location
Coordinates42.6°N 108.2°W / 42.6; -108.2
Approximate paleocoordinates4.3°N 35.2°W / 4.3; -35.2
Region Wyoming
Country USA
Type section
Named forTen Sleep, Wyoming
Named byN.H. Darton[1]
Year defined1904
Tensleep Sandstone (the United States)
Tensleep Sandstone (Wyoming)

Trace fossils

In 1932 Edward Branson and Maurice Mehl reported the discovery of a fossil trackway in the formation.[3] A new ichnospecies, Steganoposaurus belli, was erected for these footprints.[3] The tracks were probably made by a web-footed animal slightly less than three feet long.[3] This creature was originally presumed to be an amphibian, but the toe prints it left behind were pointed like a reptile's rather than round like an amphibians. The actual trackmaker may have been similar to the genus Hylonomus.[4] The ichnogenus Tridentichnus are similar footprints preserved in the Supai Formation of Arizona.[5]

References

  1. Darton, N.H., 1904, Comparison of the stratigraphy of the Black Hills, Bighorn Mountains, and Rocky Mountain Front Range: Geological Society of America Bulletin, v. 15, p. 379-448
  2. U.S. Geological Survey. "Geologic Unit: Tensleep". Retrieved 2014-12-23.
  3. "Western Traces in the 'Age of Amphibians'," Lockley and Hunt (1995); page 34.
  4. "Western Traces in the 'Age of Amphibians'," Lockley and Hunt (1995); page 35.
  5. "Western Traces in the 'Age of Amphibians'," Lockley and Hunt (1995); pages 34-35.

Bibliography

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