Sunrise Formation facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sunrise Formation Stratigraphic range: Hettangian-Sinemurian ~201–191Ma PreЄ Є O S D C P T J K Pg N
Type	Formation
Sub-units	Ferguson Hill & New York Canyon members
Overlies	Gabbs Formation
Lithology
Primary	Limestone
Other	Shale, siltstone, sandstone
Location
Coordinates	38°30′N 118°06′W / 38.5°N 118.1°W / 38.5; -118.1
Approximate paleocoordinates	19°30′N 56°12′W / 19.5°N 56.2°W / 19.5; -56.2
Region	Nevada
Country	United States
Extent	Gabbs Valley Range

The Sunrise Formation is a special layer of rock found in Nevada, a state in the United States. It is like a giant history book made of stone! This rock layer holds amazing clues about life from a very long time ago. Scientists have found many fossils here. These fossils tell us about creatures living during the Early Jurassic period. This period happened about 201 to 191 million years ago.

What is the Sunrise Formation?

A geologic formation is a distinct layer of rock. Geologists give these layers names to study them better. The Sunrise Formation is made up of several types of rock. These include limestone, shale, siltstone, and sandstone. Each rock type forms in different ways. Limestone often forms from the shells and skeletons of sea creatures. Shale, siltstone, and sandstone are made from tiny bits of mud, silt, and sand.

Where is the Sunrise Formation found?

You can find the Sunrise Formation mainly in Nevada. Specifically, it is found in the Gabbs Valley Range. This area is in the western part of the United States. Geologists study these rock layers to understand Earth's past.

How old is this rock layer?

The Sunrise Formation dates back to the Jurassic Period. More precisely, it formed during the Hettangian and Sinemurian stages. These are the earliest parts of the Early Jurassic period. This means the rocks and fossils are incredibly old. They give us a peek into a time before dinosaurs ruled the Earth.

Amazing Fossils Found Here

The Sunrise Formation is famous for its many fossils. These fossils are like snapshots of ancient life. They help scientists learn about the plants and animals that lived millions of years ago. Here are some of the cool fossils found in this rock layer:

Ancient Sea Creatures: Ammonites

Ammonites were amazing creatures that lived in the ocean. They were like squids with spiral shells. They are now extinct, meaning they no longer live on Earth. Many different kinds of ammonites have been found in the Sunrise Formation:

Shellfish from the Past: Bivalves

Bivalves are a type of shellfish. They have two hinged shells, like modern clams or oysters. These creatures lived on the seafloor. Their fossilized shells give us clues about ancient marine environments:

Spiky Sea Urchins: Echinoids

Echinoids are sea creatures with spiny skins. Modern sea urchins are a type of echinoid. They move slowly along the seafloor. Only one type of echinoid has been reported from this formation:

• Plesiechinus hawkinsi