Wellington Formation

The Wellington Formation is a geological layering in Kansas composed of sedimentary rocks including shale, sandstone, and limestone arranged in distinct strata. These layers were created during the Permian period and remain visible today in mining areas and excavation sites.

This layering developed during the Late Permian period when marine sediments accumulated in an ancient sea that once covered this region. The rocks visible today record a vanished ocean environment from that distant geological time.

This formation holds significance for scientists who study ancient marine life, with fossils revealing information about creatures and environments that existed millions of years ago.

You can view the formation in quarries and mining areas, particularly throughout central Kansas where the layers are most accessible. Wear appropriate footwear and follow safety guidelines when visiting active mining sites.

Fossils of Meganeuropsis permianum have been found within these layers, representing one of the largest flying insects ever to exist in Earth's history. This giant insect reveals how different life forms were during that ancient marine period.