Fort Payne Formation facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Fort Payne Chert Stratigraphic range: Viséan
Chertified fossiliferous limestone from the Fort Payne Formation (Kentucky)
Type	Formation
Underlies	Tuscumbia Limestone and Ullin Formation
Overlies	Maccrady Formation and Springville Formation
Location
Region	Appalachia and Southeastern United States
Country	United States
Extent	Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee, and Virginia

The Fort Payne Formation, also known as the Fort Payne Chert, is a special type of rock layer. Geologists call it a geologic formation. You can find it in the southeastern part of the United States. This formation is mostly made of chert and limestone. It formed during a time called the Mississippian Period. The Fort Payne Formation is very important because it holds many fossils. These fossils tell us about life from millions of years ago.

What is the Fort Payne Formation?

A geologic formation is like a big, distinct layer of rock. It has unique features that set it apart. The Fort Payne Formation is one such layer. It stretches across several states in the southeastern U.S. This rock layer formed a very long time ago. It helps scientists understand Earth's past.

Rocks of the Formation: Chert and Limestone

The Fort Payne Formation is mostly made of two types of rock: chert and limestone.

• Limestone is a common rock. It often forms in warm, shallow seas. It is made from the shells and skeletons of tiny sea creatures. These creatures settle on the seafloor over millions of years.
• Chert is a very hard, fine-grained rock. It is a type of quartz. Chert often forms within limestone. It can be many different colors. Both limestone and chert are great for preserving ancient life.

A Look Back in Time: The Mississippian Period

The Fort Payne Formation dates back to the Mississippian Period. This period was part of the larger Carboniferous Period. It lasted from about 359 to 323 million years ago. During the Mississippian Period, much of North America was covered by warm, shallow seas. These seas were full of marine life. The conditions were perfect for forming limestone.

Fossils in the Fort Payne Formation

The Fort Payne Formation is famous for its many fossils. These fossils are mostly from marine animals. They lived in the ancient seas of the Mississippian Period. You can find fossils of creatures like:

• Crinoids: These look like plants but are actually animals. They are related to starfish.
• Brachiopods: These are shelled creatures. They look a bit like clams.
• Bryozoans: These are tiny colonial animals. They often form branching or fan-like shapes.

These fossils help scientists learn about ancient ocean environments. They also show how life has changed over millions of years.

Where is the Fort Payne Formation Found?

This rock formation is found in several states. These include Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee, and Virginia. The formation was named after Fort Payne, Alabama. This is where geologist Eugene Allen Smith first studied its rock layers.

Why is the Fort Payne Formation Important?

The Fort Payne Formation is a key part of the geology of the southeastern U.S. It gives us clues about Earth's history. By studying its rocks and fossils, scientists can:

• Understand ancient sea levels and climates.
• Learn about the types of life that existed millions of years ago.
• Piece together the geological story of the region.

It's like a giant history book written in stone!