The origins
of red beds have fascinated geoscientists for generations. In this
contribution, Picard examined the Red Peak Member of the Chugwater Formation (Triassic) in
west-central Wyoming, a thick succession of red sandstone and siltstone. Coupling
field sedimentologic observations, petrography, X-ray diffraction, and well log
analysis, the study focuses on the ubiquitous siltstone, rather than the
sandstone units. The data led Picard to suggest that the climate was warm
to hot and semi-arid to arid, but he ended with the penetrative suggestion that
“Further study of [redbed] siltstones is urged.” Many geologists who favor
gingers have gladly followed his advice.
Petrography of Red Peak Member, Chugwater Formation (Triassic), west-central Wyoming by M. Dane Picard
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