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National Geologic Map Database
Geologic Unit: Alto
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Map showing publication footprint
  • Usage in publication:
    • Alto formation
  • Modifications:
    • Named
  • Dominant lithology:
    • Shale
    • Limestone
  • AAPG geologic province:
    • Illinois basin
Publication:

Savage, T.E., 1920, The Devonian formations of Illinois: American Journal of Science, 4th series, v. 49, p. 169-182.


Summary:

Alto formation, named in this report, described as dark siliceous shale and somewhat shaly limestone, 40 to 75 ft thick in Alto Township, Union Co., IL. Unconformably underlies Mountain Glen shale and overlies Lingle limestone. Is thought to represent Portage or Chemung. Age is Late Devonian.

Source: GNU records (USGS DDS-6; Reston GNULEX).


Map showing publication footprint
  • Usage in publication:
    • Alto Formation
  • Modifications:
    • Age modified
    • Overview
  • AAPG geologic province:
    • Illinois basin
Publication:

Devera, J.A., and Fraunfelter, G.H., 1988, Middle Devonian paleogeography and tectonic relationships east of the Ozark dome, southeastern Missouri, southwestern Illinois and parts of southwestern Indiana and western Kentucky, IN McMillan, N.J., Embry, A.F., and Glass, D.J., eds., Devonian of the World; proceedings of the 2nd international symposium on the Devonian System; Volume II, Sedimentation: Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists Memoir, 14, p. 179-196.


Summary:

Age of Alto Formation not precisely determined but thought to be late Middle Devonian (late Givetian) to earliest Late Devonian (early Frasnian) based on conodonts. Unit is similar to Misenheimer Shale Member of Lingle Formation. No consistent basis for dividing Lingle and Alto into separate formations, but generally boundary is based on change in color. Unconformably(?) overlies Lingle Formation; unconformably underlies Sylamore Sandstone or Grassy Creek Shale.

Source: GNU records (USGS DDS-6; Reston GNULEX).


For more information, please contact Nancy Stamm, Geologic Names Committee Secretary.

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