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:
    • Onion Creek Formation*
  • Modifications:
    • Named
  • Dominant lithology:
    • Limestone
    • Quartzite
  • AAPG geologic province:
    • Sierra Nevada province
Publication:

Harwood, D.S., 1992, Stratigraphy of Paleozoic and lower Mesozoic rocks in the northern Sierra terrane: U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin, 1957, 78 p., (incl. geologic map, scale 1:250,000)


Summary:

Name derived from Onion Creek. Type locality designated as exposures in Onion Creek, SE/4 sec.11 T16N R14E, Norden 7.5' quad [Placer Co, CA]. Is part of Lake Tahoe sequence. Also occurs east of Serena Creek and at confluence of Serena Creek and North Fork of American River. Composed of interbedded calc-silicate rock, limestone, and black pelite. Maximum thickness at type locality is 400 m. Gradationally overlies Serena Creek Formation (new); top unknown as intruded by granitic rocks of Sierra Nevada batholith. Age considered [tentatively] Mississippian(?) and younger(?) based on stratigraphic relations. Brachiopod(?) fragment found in lowermost part of unit.

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


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 ([ ]).