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:
    • Rail Canyon sandstone member*
  • Modifications:
    • Named
  • Dominant lithology:
    • Sandstone
  • AAPG geologic province:
    • Las Vegas-Raton basin
Publication:

Lee, W.T., 1924, Coal resources of the Raton coal field, Colfax County, New Mexico: U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin, 752, 254 p.


Summary:

Named as a member of Vermejo formation of Montana group for Rail Canyon, T29N, R21E, Colfax Co, NM in the Las Vegas-Raton basin. No type locality designated. Occurs near the middle of the Vermejo above and beneath unnamed sandstone and shale. Lower contact is an unconformity. Lies 10-50+ ft above base of Vermejo in measured sections. Consists of white, massive, cross-bedded sandstone ranging from a few ft to 50 ft thick. Several measured sections show it as 8 to 35 ft thick. Has numerous inclusions of clay balls. Some beds are friable. Forms the roof of many mines. Of Late Cretaceous age. Cross sections.

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