Masters Theses

Abstract

"The Hannibal Formation (Kinderhookian) occurring in northeastern Missouri and western Illinois is a fine-grained, terrigenous, sedimentary unit which can be divided into an upper and a lower portion, based on lithology. The upper portion consists of alternating coarse and argillaceous, fine siltstone units, while the lower portion consists of a silty mudstone with an occasional thin siltstone unit. At the extreme western margin of the formation, near where the Hannibal almost pinches out, the formation consists entirely of a silty claystone. Extending southward along the study area, the coarse siltstone units of the upper Hannibal become thinner, and eventually pinch out completely. Results obtained from petrographic study, grain-size analysis, and sedimentary properties indicate an upward-coarsening sequence in most coarse siltstone units. These units consist of predominantly poorly sorted, angular, coarse and medium silt-size particles. Sand-size particles also occur in the Hannibal, but in very minor quantities.

The Hannibal contains associated trace fossils which represent Seilacher's Cruziana and Zoophycus facies, indicating tranquil, shallow water, marine conditions.

X-ray analysis indicates four clay mineral assemblages. Dioctahedral illite is the most prominant clay mineral, with disordered kaolinite occurring in substantial quantities. Iron and magnesium-rich chlorite and vermiculite also occur in the formation, but in relatively minor amounts.

The Hannibal sediments were deposited in a restricted, shallow, tranquil sea from a northern source area. A low-lying drainage area, restricted marine circulation, and the possible existence of barrier islands explain the occurrence of predominantly silt and clay deposits, with only traces of sand-size particles. The study area is located in the distal portion of the formation, where the lower Hannibal mudstones represent pro-delta deposits, and the upper Hannibal siltstones represent delta front deposits"--Abstract, pages ii-iii.

Advisor(s)

Spreng, Alfred C., 1923-2012

Committee Member(s)

Grant, S. Kerry
Harvey, A. Herbert

Department(s)

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Geology

Publisher

University of Missouri--Rolla

Publication Date

1978

Pagination

vii, 158 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 99-111).

Rights

© 1978 Michael Harry Deming, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Subject Headings

Sedimentology
Formations (Geology) -- Missouri
Formations (Geology) -- Illinois
Geology, Stratigraphic

Thesis Number

T 4438

Print OCLC #

6009479

Electronic OCLC #

904023751

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Geology Commons

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Thesis Location

 
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