MORRISON FORMATION Meaning and
Definition
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The Morrison Formation refers to a prominent geologic unit found in the western region of North America. It is a distinctive sequence of sedimentary rocks that spans between 148 to 155 million years in age, representing the Late Jurassic period. The formation is named after Morrison, Colorado, where extensive exposures of these rocks are present.
Comprising mainly of mudstone, sandstone, and limestone, the Morrison Formation holds significant scientific importance due to its rich and diverse fossil record. It is renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved dinosaur remains, providing invaluable insights into the flora and fauna of this ancient era. Some of the most notable dinosaur specimens found within the Morrison Formation include various species of sauropods, theropods, and ornithischians.
Covering vast areas across several states such as Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, New Mexico, and Montana, the Morrison Formation serves as a crucial source of information for paleontologists studying the Late Jurassic ecosystems. Its deposition occurred in a variety of environments, including river floodplains, lakes, and wetland environments, which facilitated the preservation of both terrestrial and aquatic organisms.
Apart from its paleontological significance, the Morrison Formation also holds economic importance as a potential source of oil and natural gas. Its sedimentary layers have been subjected to extensive exploration for hydrocarbon reserves.
Overall, the Morrison Formation is a geologic unit that stands as a crucial archive of Late Jurassic life, providing a window into the ancient ecosystems that once thrived in western North America.
Etymology of MORRISON FORMATION
The term "Morrison Formation" refers to a geologic formation located in the western United States that dates back to the Late Jurassic period. It is well-known for its abundance of dinosaur fossils, including species like Allosaurus, Diplodocus, and Stegosaurus.
The name "Morrison" originates from an early Wyoming town known as "Morrison", where significant dinosaur discoveries were made in the late 19th century. The town was established in 1880 and named after George W. Morrison, a local rancher who owned the land where the fossils were found.
Since then, the name "Morrison Formation" has been widely used to refer to the geological unit containing these fossil-rich sedimentary rocks distributed across several western U.S. states, including Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.
