Named for chert-clastic-volcanic sequence in Bull Run and Wildhorse quads, north and west of McAfee Peak, Elko Co, NV. Named derived from Schoonover Creek, Independence Mountains, Bull Run quad. Divided into (ascending): Dorsey Creek, Fry Creek, Mikes Creek, Harrington Creek, Cap Winn, Ott Creek, Frost Creek, and Bailey Creek Members (all new) and lower and upper unnamed members. Shown on geologic map of portions of Bull Run and Wildhorse quads. Maximum thickness is 9000 ft. Is structurally complex; axial planes of larger folds generally incline toward north and northwest; Schoonover considered to have been thrust from that direction in Late Mississippian or post-Mississippian time prior to Miocene. Dating of thrusting as well as correlation largely dependent upon Mississippian age of brachiopods in Dorsey Creek Member. About 8000 ft of formation is younger than Dorsey Creek fossil zone so upper parts of formation may be younger than Mississippian.

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

Isoclinally folded chert in structurally lower half of Schoonover Formation (also referred to as "sequence") yielded ages based on Radiolaria that range from earliest Mississippian to possibly latest Devonian at very base of sequence to as young as Early Pennsylvanian in structurally higher parts of sequence (in Ott Creek member). Simplified geologic sketch map extends sequence southward to Tuscarora 15' quad in northern Independence Mountains, NV.

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