Chinle Formation

photo: The Chinle Formation generally forms colorful talus slopes below Wingate cliffs.
The Chinle Formation generally forms colorful talus slopes below Wingate cliffs.

NPS/Herbert

 

The Chinle Formation is composed of the Shinnarump and Moss Back members. Each has different characteristics due to changes in the depositional environment.

Deposited:
Triassic Period (208 to 245 million years ago)

Depositional Environment:
Tropical streams, lakes and swamps

Appearance:
Multi-colored slopes of clay with dark brown sandstone ledges (Moss Back)

Example:
Talus slopes immediately below the Wingate cliffs at the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands

Notes:
Uranium is often found in the Moss Back Member of the Chinle. Though most uranium mines are in the Morrison Formation, the famous Mi Vida mine in Lisbon Valley was in the Chinle. The multi-colored clays in the Chinle are bentonite (volcanic ash).

 
Rock Strata
Layer Above: Wingate Sandstone
Current Layer: Chinle Formation
Layer Below: Moenkopi Formation

Last updated: December 14, 2015

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

2282 Resource Blvd.
Moab, UT 84532

Phone:

435-719-2313

Contact Us