The National Geologic Map Database is migrating to a new infrastructure. We apologize for any service disruptions during this process.

U.S. Geological Survey Home AASG Logo USGS HOME CONTACT USGS SEARCH USGS
National Geologic Map Database
Map showing publication footprint
  • Usage in publication:
    • Milwaukee formation*
  • Modifications:
    • Original reference
  • Dominant lithology:
    • Limestone
    • Shale
  • AAPG geologic province:
    • Wisconsin arch
Publication:

Alden, W.C., 1906, Milwaukee special folio, Wisconsin: U.S. Geological Survey Geologic Atlas of the United States Folio, GF-140, 12 p., scale 1:62,500


Summary:

Milwaukee formation. Only lower 15 to 25 feet exposed, but following generalized section is based on exposures and well records (descending): black shale, 15 feet; soft bluish limestone and softer bluish "soapy clay," 31 feet. Very fossiliferous. Hamilton fauna (Middle Devonian). Overlies Waubakee formation. Underlies Pleistocene drift.
Named from exposures near Milwaukee, southeastern WI.

Source: US geologic names lexicon (USGS Bull. 896, p. 1378).


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

Asterisk (*) indicates published by U.S. Geological Survey authors.

"No current usage" (†) implies that a name has been abandoned or has fallen into disuse. Former usage and, if known, replacement name given in parentheses ( ).

Slash (/) indicates name conflicts with nomenclatural guidelines (CSN, 1933; ACSN, 1961, 1970; NACSN, 1983, 2005, 2021). May be explained within brackets ([ ]).

Accessibility FOIA Privacy Policies and Notices

USA Gov U.S. Department of the Interior | U.S. Geological Survey
Supported by the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program
Page Contact Information: Personnel
Page Last Modified: Thu 21 May 2026 06:19:08 PM MDT