Frontier Formation, Sedimentary geological formation in Wyoming, United States
Frontier Formation is a sedimentary deposit in Wyoming composed of multiple rock layers including gray sandstone, dark shale, and oyster shell deposits. It extends across several counties and displays complex patterns of alternating yellow and gray sandstone layers with multiple coal seams.
The formation was officially named and documented by W.C. Knight in 1902, establishing its significance in scientific research. This naming was part of broader studies of Wyoming's natural resources during the early 20th century.
The name reflects the region's frontier heritage and the geological importance of understanding these rock layers. Visitors can observe how the strata reveal different environmental conditions that existed during the Late Cretaceous period.
The site is located in Wyoming and can be visited for geological and paleontological study, with accessibility varying by season and weather conditions. Visitors should bring appropriate equipment for exploring rock formations and take local conditions into account.
The layers contain fossils of extinct dinosaurs such as Nodosaurus textilis and Stegopelta landerensis, allowing paleontologists to better understand the Cretaceous period. These discoveries make the formation an important window into the past that continues to be studied today.
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