Hammett Shale facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hammett ShaleStratigraphic range: Aptian ~120–112Ma |
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|---|---|
| Type | Formation |
| Location | |
| Region | Texas |
| Country |  United States |
The Hammett Shale is a special layer of rock found in Texas. It's like a history book made of stone! This rock layer holds amazing clues about life from a very long time ago.
Scientists study the Hammett Shale to learn about the Cretaceous Period. This was a time when dinosaurs roamed the Earth, about 120 to 112 million years ago. The shale contains fossils, which are the preserved remains or traces of ancient plants and animals.
Contents
What is the Hammett Shale?
The Hammett Shale is a type of geologic formation. This means it's a distinct layer of rock that geologists can identify. It's mostly made of shale, which is a soft, fine-grained rock. Shale often forms from mud that settled at the bottom of ancient seas. Over millions of years, this mud turned into rock.
Where is it Found?
You can find the Hammett Shale in Texas. It's part of a much larger series of rock layers. Think of these layers like a giant stack of pancakes, each one telling a different story about Earth's past. Geologists use a diagram called a stratigraphic column to show these layers. It's like a vertical timeline of rocks.
Its Place in the Rock Layers
The Hammett Shale is part of a group of rocks called the Trinity Group. This group formed during the Lower Cretaceous time. Above the Trinity Group, you'll find other rock layers like the Edwards Group. Even higher up are layers from the Upper Cretaceous period. These include the Del Rio Clay, Buda Limestone, and the Eagle Ford Group.
The Trinity Group itself has several layers. These include the Hammett Formation, Cow Creek Formation, Hensel Formation, and the Glen Rose Formation. Each layer has its own unique features and fossils.
Role in Water Systems
The Hammett Shale plays an important role underground. It acts like a "confining unit" or "aquitard." This means it's a layer of rock that doesn't let water pass through easily. It helps to hold water in other layers called aquifers. Aquifers are underground rock layers that can store and supply water. The Hammett Shale helps to keep the water in the Middle Trinity Aquifer from escaping.
