Hanson Creek Formation facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hanson Creek FormationStratigraphic range: Dapingian-Katian (Ibexian-Richmondian) 488–444Ma |
|
|---|---|
| Type | Geologic formation |
| Underlies | Roberts Mountains Formation |
| Overlies | Eureka Quartzite |
| Thickness | 350 feet (110 m) |
| Lithology | |
| Primary | Limestone |
| Other | Dolomite, sandstone |
| Location | |
| Coordinates | 39°00′N 116°00′W / 39.0°N 116.0°W |
| Approximate paleocoordinates | 7°06′S 74°30′W / 7.1°S 74.5°W |
| Region | Nevada |
| Country |  United States |
| Type section | |
| Named for | Hanson Creek |
The Hanson Creek Formation is a special type of rock layer found in Nevada, a state in the western United States. It's like a giant history book made of rock, holding clues about Earth's past. Scientists study this formation to learn about ancient life and environments.
Contents
What is the Hanson Creek Formation?
The Hanson Creek Formation is a geologic formation. This means it's a specific set of rock layers that scientists can identify and map. These layers were formed over millions of years. They tell us about the conditions on Earth long ago.
Where is it Found?
This rock formation is located in the state of Nevada, USA. Nevada is known for its vast deserts and mountain ranges. Geologists study the Hanson Creek Formation in different parts of Nevada to understand its full size and how it changes.
What is it Made Of?
The Hanson Creek Formation is mostly made of Limestone. Limestone is a common rock that often forms in clear, warm, shallow seas. It's usually made from the shells and skeletons of tiny sea creatures.
It also contains other types of rock:
- Dolomite: This rock is similar to limestone but has more magnesium. It often forms when limestone is changed by mineral-rich water.
- Sandstone: This rock is made from grains of sand cemented together. Sandstone usually forms in areas like beaches, rivers, or deserts.
The different types of rock tell us that the environment where the Hanson Creek Formation formed might have changed over time.
A Glimpse into the Ordovician Period
The Hanson Creek Formation is very old! It preserves fossils that date back to the Ordovician period. This period lasted from about 485 million to 443 million years ago.
Life in the Ordovician Seas
During the Ordovician Period, life on Earth was mostly in the oceans. The land was still mostly barren. The seas were full of amazing creatures, including:
- Early fish
- Giant squid-like animals called nautiloids
- Armored creatures called trilobites
- Coral reefs
- Brachiopods (shellfish that look a bit like clams)
The fossils found in the Hanson Creek Formation give scientists clues about what these ancient oceans were like. They help us understand how life evolved over millions of years.
How Old is This Formation?
The age of the Hanson Creek Formation is specifically from the Dapingian to the Katian stages of the Ordovician Period. In simpler terms, this means it formed between about 488 million and 444 million years ago. That's a very long time before dinosaurs even existed!
Why is it Important?
Studying rock formations like the Hanson Creek Formation is important for several reasons:
- Understanding Earth's History: It helps us piece together the puzzle of how our planet has changed over millions of years.
- Learning About Ancient Life: The fossils tell us about creatures that lived long ago and how they adapted to their environments.
- Finding Resources: Geologists can use their knowledge of rock formations to find important resources like water, oil, or minerals.
The Hanson Creek Formation is a valuable window into a very ancient time on Earth.
