Earth:Zabriskie Quartzite

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Short description: Cambrian Period geologic formation in Inyo County, California and Nye County, Nevada
Zabriskie Quartzite
Stratigraphic range: Cambrian
TypeGeologic formation
UnderliesCarrara Formation
OverliesWood Canyon Formation
Thickness0–300 metres (0–984 ft)
Lithology
PrimaryQuartzite
Location
RegionInyo County, California, Nye County, Nevada
CountryUnited States
Type section
Named forZabriskie Point

The Zabriskie Quartzite is a Cambrian Period geologic formation of the northern Mojave Desert, in Inyo County, California and Nye County, Nevada.[1][2]

It is named for its occurrence at Zabriskie Point, located on the eastern slopes of Death Valley in Death Valley National Park.[1]

Geology

The lower unit is defined by the Resting Springs Member, the upper unit by the Emigrant Pass Member.[2]

It overlies the Wood Canyon Formation, and underlies the Carrara Formation.[3]

The Quartzite is mostly massive arid granulated due to shearing, in beds 0.5–2 feet (15–61 cm) thick within the park,[1] and up to 984 feet (300 m) elsewhere.[3]

Fossils

It preserves fossils dating back to the Lower Cambrian period of the Paleozoic Era.[4]

See also

  • Cambrian California
  • List of fossiliferous stratigraphic units in California
  • Paleontology in California

References