The Winona Formation (also called the Winona Sand or the Winona Greensand[1]) is a sand geologic formation in Mississippi. It preserves fossils dating back to the Paleogene period.

Winona Formation
Stratigraphic range: Paleogene
TypeFormation
Unit ofClaiborne Group
UnderliesSparta Formation
OverliesTallahatta Formation
Lithology
Primarysand glauconite
Otherironstone
Location
Region Mississippi
Country United States
Type section
Named forWinona, Mississippi

Description

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The Winona Formation was originally described as a member of the Tallahatta Formation or as a member of the Lisbon Formation, both of which are members of the Claiborne Group.[1][2] It was upgraded to formation status and is considered a separate formation from both by the Mississippi Dept. of Environmental Quality Office of Geology.[2] The Winona formation is a medium to fine grain poorly sorted sand that contains silt, clay, and fossils. It has a high glauconite content, up to 50% in some areas.[2] Fossils, molds, and casts are commonly found in lithified beds,[2] and the fossil assemblage includes bivalves, gastropods, echinoids, shark teeth, crabs, foraminifera, and ostracods.[1] The depositional environment for this formation is considered a shallow-water, near shore marine shelf facies as part of a marine transgression series.[1][2]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d Thomas, Emil P. "The Claiborne" (PDF). Mississippi State Geological Survey Bulletin. 48: 28–33. Retrieved 28 June 2018.
  2. ^ a b c d e Merrill, Robert K.; Sims, James J.; Gann, Delbert E.; Liles, Kenneth J. (1985). "Newton County geology and mineral resources" (PDF). Mississippi Bureau of Geology Bulletin. 126: 33–34. Retrieved 28 June 2018.