Crystal Spring Formation
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1.2 billion ears old and 3,000 foot thick. This formation contains several rock types, many of which were formed in either marine (salt water) or fresh water environments. Shown here are a purple shale, a sandstone with crossbedding or a conglomerate.
Precambrian > Proterozoic eon > Mesoproterozoic era > Ectasian period
Crystal Spring Formation - Death Valley Region
The Crystal Spring Formation is a significant geologic formation located in Death Valley, California. This formation is primarily known for its role in revealing the complex geological history of the region. It predominantly consists of dolomite and limestone, and it dates back to the Cambrian period, making it over 500 million years old.Geologically, the Crystal Spring Formation is important for several reasons:
Age and Composition:
As part of the Death Valley’s extensive geological record, it provides crucial evidence about the Cambrian environment, marked by shallow marine conditions that favored the deposition of carbonate sediments.Fossils:
The formation contains fossils that are essential for understanding early marine life and the evolution of various organisms during the Cambrian explosion.Tectonic and Environmental Insights:
Studying this formation helps geologists understand past tectonic activities and environmental conditions. The folding and faulting seen within the formation are indicative of significant tectonic forces that have shaped the region.The Crystal Spring Formation thus serves as a window into ancient geological processes and biological evolution, offering a tangible record of Earth’s distant past.