Named as uppermost formation (of 4) of the Tulsa group; named for the town of Nowata, Nowata Co, OK, Chautauqua platform. No type locality designated. Near the KS State line and east of Verdigris River, this formation occupies a narrow band between the escarpments of overlying and underlying limestones. Also is seen in irregular areas along Snow, Crow Hollow and Cedar creeks. West of Verdigris River is seen near the mouth of Hickory Creek 3 mi north of Lenapah. Width of outcrop at Nowata is 2+ mi; is greater at Watova; in vicinity of Talala is 5 mi; east of Tulsa is 8 mi. Consists of a series of shales with a few interstratified sandstones and at lest one bed of coal; shales generally are bluish or greenish in color, weathering green or buff. Thickness varies from 50 ft to 600 ft at Tulsa. Overlies Oologah formation of Tulsa group; underlies Lenapah limestone (new) of Sapulpa group. Stratigraphic chart. Correlates with the Walnut shales of KS. Of Pennsylvanian age.

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