Geological Survey Professional Paper 669 The Colorado River Region and John Wesley Powell

STRATIFIED ROCKS OF THE GRAND CANYON

By
Edwin D. McKee

A history of stratigraphic investigation in the Grand Canyon region.

Cover

Foreword

(A) John Wesley Powell: Pioneer statesman of Federal science, by Mary C. Rabbitt

(B) Stratified rocks of the Grand Canyon, by Edwin D. McKee

Abstract
Introduction
Acknowledgments
Pioneer stratigraphic work—the pre-Powell era
John Wesley Powell's Colorado River trips of 1869 and 1871-72
Stratigraphic work during the early days of the U.S. Geological Survey
Expanded stratigraphic studies, 1900-1935
Recent studies (since 1935) and their interpretation
   Rock classification—revisions and additions
   Refinements in age determination
   Paleogeography and paleotectonics
   Significance of unconformities
   Advances in sedimentology
   Paleontology and paleoecology
Conclusions
References

(C) Geologic history of the Colorado River, by Charles B. Hunt

(D) The rapids and the pools—Grand Canyon, by Luna B. Leopold

FIGURE

1. Index map of the Grand Canyon area

2. Stratigraphic section of the Grand Canyon in high plateau near Aubrey Cliff

3. Drawing showing great unconformities in the north wall of the Grand Canyon

4. Lithologic column showing base of stratigraphic section in the Grand Canyon

5. Diagram showing stratigraphic section at the mouth of the Grand Canyon

6—9. Charts showing:

6. Classification of Paleozoic strata in the Grand Canyon

7. Terminology and thickness of stratigraphic units in the Grand Canyon

8. Classification and age of lower rock units in the Grand Canyon

9. Changes in age assignment of Tonto Group

10. Photographs showing stratified rocks of Grand Canyon

11. Diagrammatic section of Cambrian deposits in Grand Canyon

12. Correlation chart of Cambrian formations and members in the Grand Canyon

13. Chart showing development of stratigraphic subdivision of the Redwall Limestone

14. Photographs showing some sedimentary features in stratified rocks of Grand Canyon

15. Chart showing classification of rock units in the Kaibab Formation

16. Chart showing classification of rock units in the Toroweap Formation

17. Diagram showing principal key beds and horizon markers considered to be approximate time planes in Cambrian deposits of the Grand Canyon

18. Map showing structural features of Arizona during middle part of Permian Period

19. Photographs showing major unconformities in Grand Canyon

20. Photographs showing fossils and sedimentary features in stratified rocks of Grand Canyon

21. Diagrammatic sketches showing general character of unconformity between Temple Butte Limestone and Muav Limestone

22. Photographs showing primary structures in stratified rocks of Grand Canyon

23. Diagram showing reconstruction of boundary between coarse sand and shale developed during transgression of the Cambrian sea

24. Sample plots from four vertical outcrop faces of the Thunder Springs Member of Redwall Limestone, showing distribution of chert, carbonate rock, and associated fossils

25. Isopach map of northern Arizona for the Pennsylvanian System

26. Generalized map showing facies distribution in middle member of Kaibab Limestone, Arizona and Utah

27. Schematic cross section of part of middle member of Kaibab Limestone near eastern end of Grand Canyon