Chico Formation facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chico FormationStratigraphic range: Campanian Age, Cretaceous Period |
|
|---|---|
| Type | Geological formation |
| Underlies | Martinez Formation (regionally), Tejon Formation (regionally) |
| Overlies | Vaqueros Formation |
| Lithology | |
| Primary | sandstone |
| Location | |
| Region | California, Oregon |
| Country | United States |
| Type section | |
| Named for | Chico, California |
The Chico Formation is a special layer of rock found in California and southern Oregon. It formed during the Cretaceous Period, specifically in a time called the Campanian Age. This formation is important because it helps scientists understand what the Earth was like millions of years ago.
Contents
What is the Chico Formation?
The Chico Formation is a type of rock layer. It is mostly made of sandstone. Scientists study these layers to learn about Earth's history. Sometimes, the Chico Formation sits on top of other rock layers, like the Vaqueros Formation. Other times, different layers, such as the Martinez Formation or Tejon Formation, are found on top of it.
Where Can You Find It?
You can find the Chico Formation in several places across California. It shows up in the Southern California Coast Ranges and in the western part of the San Joaquin Valley. You can also see it north of Mount Diablo and around the Chico area in the northeastern Sacramento Valley.
It's also present in the eastern Simi Hills. This includes areas like Bell Canyon and Dayton Canyon. These spots are located in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, close to the community of West Hills.
Ancient Life in the Chico Formation
The Chico Formation is famous for the amazing fossils found within its rocks. These fossils tell us about the creatures that lived during the Late Cretaceous time, part of the Mesozoic Era.
What Fossils Have Been Found?
Scientists have discovered Dinosaur remains in the Chico Formation! This is very exciting for understanding ancient life. Besides dinosaurs, fossils of ancient lizards and birds have also been found. These discoveries help us piece together the ancient ecosystems of California and Oregon.
Here are some of the ancient animals found:
- Clidastes - This was a type of ancient marine lizard.
- Hesperornis - An ancient diving bird that lived in the water.
- Ichthyornis - Another ancient bird, but one that could fly.
- Indeterminate Pteranodontidae - These are remains from a group of flying reptiles called pterosaurs, similar to the famous Pteranodon.
Images for kids
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Hesperornis was an ancient diving bird.
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