Alkali Canyon Formation facts for kids
The Alkali Canyon Formation is a special type of rock layer found in Oregon, a state in the United States. Think of it like a giant stack of ancient dirt and rocks that tells a story about Earth's past. Scientists study this formation because it holds amazing fossils of animals that lived millions of years ago. These fossils help us understand what the world was like during the Neogene period, specifically from about 10.3 to 4.9 million years ago.
Quick facts for kids Alkali Canyon FormationStratigraphic range: Tortonian-Zanclean (Hemphillian) ~10.3–4.9Ma |
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|---|---|
| Type | Formation |
| Unit of | Dalles Group |
| Lithology | |
| Primary | Sandstone |
| Other | Tuff |
| Location | |
| Coordinates | 45°42′N 120°12′W / 45.7°N 120.2°W |
| Approximate paleocoordinates | 45°36′N 117°30′W / 45.6°N 117.5°W |
| Region | Gilliam & Morrow Counties, Oregon |
| Country |  United States |
| Extent | Eastern Columbia Basin |
| Type section | |
| Named for | Alkali Canyon, 16 km (9.9 mi) SW of Arlington |
| Named by | Farooqui et al. |
| Year defined | 1981 |
Contents
What is a Geological Formation?
A geological formation is like a specific chapter in Earth's history book. It's a rock unit that has a distinct set of features, like its rock type or the fossils it contains. Scientists give these formations names so they can study and talk about them easily.
The Alkali Canyon Formation's Story
The Alkali Canyon Formation is mostly made of Sandstone, which is rock formed from sand. It also contains Tuff, a rock made from volcanic ash. This tells us that volcanoes were active in the area when these rocks were forming.
Where is it Found?
This formation is named after Alkali Canyon in Oregon. It stretches across parts of Gilliam and Morrow Counties in the Eastern Columbia Basin. Geologists first described it in 1981.
Amazing Ancient Animals
The most exciting part about the Alkali Canyon Formation is the incredible fossils it holds. These fossils are like clues that help scientists piece together what life was like millions of years ago. They show us animals that roamed Oregon during the Neogene period, specifically between 10.3 and 4.9 million years ago.
Who Lived Here?
Many different types of animals have been found as fossils in this formation. Here are some of the creatures that once called this area home:
- Eucyon davisi: An ancient dog-like animal.
- Hypolagus oregonensis: An early type of rabbit.
- Neotamias malloryi: A prehistoric chipmunk.
- Oregonomys pebblespringsensis: An ancient mouse.
- Perognathus stevei: A type of pocket mouse.
- Plesiogulo marshalli: A relative of modern wolverines.
- Pliotaxidea nevadensis: An ancient badger.
- Scapanus proceridens: A prehistoric mole.
- Spermophilus shotwelli: An ancient ground squirrel.
- S. wilsoni: Another type of ground squirrel.
- Castor sp.: An ancient beaver.
- Dipoides sp.: A type of extinct beaver.
- Mammut sp.: A large, elephant-like animal.
- Megalonyx sp.: A giant ground sloth.
- Teleoceras sp.: A short-legged rhinoceros.
- Archaeolaginae indet.: Unidentified ancient rabbits.
- Camelidae indet.: Unidentified ancient camels.
- Canini indet.: Unidentified ancient dog relatives.
- Carnivora indet.: Unidentified ancient meat-eating mammals.
- Cricetidae indet.: Unidentified ancient hamsters or voles.
- Dipodomyinae indet.: Unidentified ancient kangaroo rats.
- Equini indet.: Unidentified ancient horse relatives.
- Hipparionini indet.: Unidentified ancient three-toed horses.
- Procyonidae indet.: Unidentified ancient raccoons or their relatives.
- Sciuridae indet.: Unidentified ancient squirrels.
- Tayassuinae indet.: Unidentified ancient peccaries (pig-like animals).
- Ursidae indet.: Unidentified ancient bears.
