Snowshoe Formation facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Snowshoe FormationStratigraphic range: Toarcian-Bathonian ~180–164Ma |
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|---|---|
| Type | Formation |
| Sub-units | South Fork, Warm Springs, Basey, Schoolhouse, Silvies & Weberg members |
| Lithology | |
| Primary | Mudstone, limestone |
| Other | Sandstone |
| Location | |
| Coordinates | 44°00′N 119°24′W / 44.0°N 119.4°W |
| Approximate paleocoordinates | 33°48′N 58°30′W / 33.8°N 58.5°W |
| Region | Oregon |
| Country |  United States |
| Extent | Snake River Basin |
The Snowshoe Formation is a special area of rock layers found in Oregon, USA. Think of it like a giant history book made of stone! This formation is a geologic formation, which means it's a distinct set of rocks that scientists study.
Inside these rocks, scientists have found amazing fossils. These fossils are clues from a very long time ago. They tell us about life during the Jurassic Period, a time when dinosaurs roamed the Earth. The fossils found here date back to the Early to Middle Jurassic period, specifically from about 180 to 164 million years ago.
Ancient Life in the Snowshoe Formation
The Snowshoe Formation is like a treasure chest for fossils! Scientists have discovered different types of ancient life preserved in its rocks. These discoveries help us understand what the world was like millions of years ago.
One important type of fossil found here belongs to a group called Loricata.
- Loricata are a group of reptiles that include modern-day crocodiles and alligators. Finding their fossils here tells us that ancient relatives of these animals lived in Oregon during the Jurassic Period.
Within the Loricata group, a specific ancient animal called Zoneait nargorum has been identified.
- Zoneait nargorum is an extinct (no longer living) reptile. It was an ancient relative of today's crocodiles. Studying its fossils helps scientists learn about how these animals evolved over millions of years.
These fossils give us a peek into the ancient environments of Oregon. They suggest that the area might have been a place with water, like rivers or swamps, where these crocodile-like creatures could live.
