Santa Clara Formation facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Santa Clara FormationStratigraphic range: Plio-Pleistocene |
|
|---|---|
| Type | Geologic formation |
| Lithology | |
| Primary | Gravel, sandstone, siltstone |
| Location | |
| Region | Santa Cruz Mountains, Santa Clara County, California |
| Country | United States |
| Type section | |
| Named for | Santa Clara County |
The Santa Clara Formation is a special type of rock layer. Geologists call these layers "geologic formations." You can find this formation in the southeastern Santa Cruz Mountains. It is located in Santa Clara County, California.
What is the Santa Clara Formation?
This rock formation was created a very long time ago. It formed during the late Pliocene and early Pleistocene Ages. These ages are part of the Neogene Period, which is a time in Earth's history. The Neogene Period itself is part of the larger Cenozoic Era.
What is it Made Of?
The Santa Clara Formation is mostly made of different kinds of rocks and sediments. It has large pieces of rock called gravel and smaller pieces like sand. These are found in sandstone and siltstone. These materials were carried and deposited by ancient rivers.
Ancient Lakes and Fossils
In some places, you can also find thin layers of mudstone. These mudstone layers formed in old lakes. The formation is important because it holds fossils. These fossils are clues about life from the Neogene Period. They help scientists learn about ancient plants and animals.
