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Romeroville Sandstone facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

The Romeroville Sandstone is a type of rock layer found in northeastern New Mexico. It was formed a very long time ago, during the Cretaceous Period, specifically in a time called the Cenomanian Age.

Quick facts for kids
Romeroville Sandstone
Stratigraphic range: Cenomanian
Romeroville Roadcut.jpg
Romeroville Sandstone beds resting on Pajarito Formation, I-25 road cut, Romeroville, New Mexico, USA
Type Formation
Unit of Dakota Group
Underlies Graneros Shale
Overlies Pajarito Formation
Thickness up to 9 m (30 ft)
Lithology
Primary Sandstone
Other Siltstone
Location
Coordinates 35°31′33″N 105°14′17″W / 35.5258°N 105.2380°W / 35.5258; -105.2380
Region New Mexico
Country  United States
Type section
Named for Settlement of Romeroville, New Mexico
Named by Kues and Lucas
Year defined 1987

What is the Romeroville Sandstone?

This rock layer is mostly made of yellow-gray sandstone. Sandstone is a type of rock formed from tiny sand grains. It also contains a small amount of siltstone, which is made from even finer particles than sand.

The sandstone often has special patterns called planar crossbeds. These patterns show how sand was moved by water or wind long ago. Sometimes, you can also see signs of ancient creatures that lived in the sand, which scientists call bioturbation.

The Romeroville Sandstone sits on top of another rock layer called the Pajarito Formation. Above the Romeroville Sandstone, you'll find the Graneros Shale. This rock layer can be up to 9 meters (about 30 feet) thick.

Scientists believe this formation was created when the sea slowly moved inland. This event is known as a marine transgression. It was part of a larger period of sea level change called the Greenhorn cycle.

How We Learned About It

The Romeroville Sandstone was first given its name in 1987. Two scientists, Kues and Lucas, named it. They found these rock layers near a place called Romeroville Gap.

Before 1987, these rocks were just considered part of a larger group of rocks called the Dakota Group. Kues and Lucas also found this sandstone in other places. These included Clayton Lake and the valley of the Dry Cimarron.

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