A possible southeastern extension of the Midcontinent Rift System located in Ohio

Abstract

In 1988 a stratigraphic test core drilled in southwestern Ohio penetrated a previously unknown structure and sedimentologic unit. Core analyses disclosed a sequence of lithic arenite and siltstone of probable pre‐Phanerozoic age, deposited within an alluvial‐fluvial environment. A seismic reflection profile across the core site shows a sequence of strong, horizontal Paleozoic reflectors unconformably overlying eastward dipping, layered units of poor reflectivity. Beyond the core hole total depth, a regime of excellent reflectors is seen. The pre‐Mount Simon (Upper Cambrian) sedimentary sequence encountered has been defined as the type section of the Middle Run Formation. Point counter analyses of typical Middle Run Formation samples indicate that this sequence is similar in composition to middle Proterozoic units associated with the Midcontinent Rift System in the Lake Superior region. The newly discovered structure in Ohio is also similar to half‐graben structures composing the Lake Superior Basin portion of the Midcontinent rift. On the basis of similarities in lithology, stratigraphy, structure, and proximity to regional gravity anomalies, the Middle Run Formation and its apparent half‐graben basin is proposed as evidence for the probable extension of the Midcontinent Rift System southward, from its normally accepted termination in southeastern Michigan, into southwestern Ohio.