Fruitland Formation, Geological formation in San Juan Basin, United States.
The Fruitland Formation spreads across Colorado and New Mexico with distinct layers of rock stacked one above another. This area within the San Juan Basin holds sandstone, clay, and coal deposits distributed over wide expanses.
These layers formed about 76 million years ago during the Cretaceous time when a vast sea covered part of this continent. The rocks record an ancient period when seawater regularly flowed across the region.
The formation is known for its dinosaur fossils preserved in the sediment layers. Visitors can observe at excavation sites how researchers uncover and study these prehistoric remains.
The area is best explored by staying on marked paths and viewing the geology from accessible locations. Visitors should know this is a large region, so comfortable walking shoes and extra time for hiking are important considerations.
The formation is a source of natural gas seepage that occurs when methane escapes from the coal beds into the air. This is part of a larger pattern in the region that particularly interests researchers and geologists.
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