Paradox Formation
In geology, the Paradox Formation Is a Pennsylvanian age formation which consists of abundant evaporites with lesser interbedded shale, sandstone, and limestone. The evaporites are largely composed of gypsum, anhydrite, and halite. The formation is found mostly in the subsurface, but there are scattered exposures in anticlines in eastern Utah and western Colorado. These surface exposures occur in the Black Mesa, San Juan and Paradox Basins and the formation is found in the subsurface in southwestern Colorado, southeastern Utah, northeastern Arizona and northeastern New Mexico.
| Paradox Formation | |
|---|---|
| Stratigraphic range: Pennsylvanian | |
Paradox Formation at its type location at Paradox, Colorado | |
| Type | Geological formation |
| Unit of | Hermosa Group |
| Underlies | Honaker Trail Formation |
| Overlies | Pinkerton Trail Formation |
| Thickness | 4,380 feet (1,340 m) |
| Lithology | |
| Primary | evaporites |
| Other | sandstone, shale, limestone |
| Location | |
| Coordinates | 38.368°N 108.964°W |
| Region | Utah, Colorado |
| Country | United States |
| Extent | 150 by 80 miles (240 by 130 km) (evaporite facies) |
| Type section | |
| Named for | Paradox Valley |
| Named by | Baker, Dante, and Reeside |
| Year defined | 1933 |
Paradox Formation (the United States) Paradox Formation (Colorado) | |
The formation is notable both for its petroleum resources and for its salt tectonics, which are responsible for many distinctive geologic features of the eastern Colorado Plateau. In addition to the anticline valleys, these include the grabens of the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park and the fins and arches of Arches National Park.