ŠK.A. Grimm
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ŠK.A. Grimm |
Stratigraphic cross section through the reef complex. Two important intervals are exposed in the Guadalupe Mountains, separated by a major unconformity. The basal interval - the " Bank-Ramp Complex" - comprises the Victorio Peak Dolomite Member which interfingers and partially overlies the dark, petroliferous carbonates of the Bones Spring Limestone. The "Vic Peak" represents a carbonate ramp environment and lacked reef development (click here to review the configuration of a ramp environment). The unconformity separates the lower, Leonardian Stage sediments from the sediments of the younger, Guadalupian Stage. Limestone conglomerates of the Cutoff Formation, and sands of the Brushy Mountain Formation and the Cherry Canyon tongue onlap this unconformity ( a Type 1 sequence boundary). During the Early Guadalupian Age, the Artesia Group and the Goat Seep Dolomite were deposited. Sediments of the Artesia Group, shown in pink, are lagoonal deposits, whereas the Goat Seep Dolomite is a shelf margin reef deposit. Through time, the Goat Seep evolved into the Capitan reef complex, consisting of the massive reef limestone and foreslope strata which form the high cliffs of the Guadalupe Mountains western escarpment. These grade basinward into the sands of the Delaware Mountain. Group, shown in yellow. Note that the Delaware Mountain Group and the Artesia Group consist of several formations, differentiated by lithological variations. |
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