Morrison Formation, Sedimentary rock formation across western United States
The Morrison Formation spans 600,000 square miles of North America, containing layers of mudstone, sandstone, siltstone, and limestone in light gray to red colors.
Arthur Lakes discovered the first fossils in Morrison, Colorado in 1877, initiating extensive paleontological excavations during the competition between scientists Marsh and Cope.
The formation serves as a natural museum, preserving remains of prehistoric species including Allosaurus, Diplodocus, and Camarasaurus within its sedimentary layers.
Visitors can explore multiple excavation sites across several states, with major access points at Dinosaur National Monument and Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry in Utah.
The formation dates between 156.3 and 146.8 million years ago, containing 75 percent of all Allosaurus fossils ever discovered in North America.
Made from material: mudstone
GPS coordinates: 40.44139,-109.30111
Latest update: May 26, 2025 21:00
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