Petrology and Origin of the Lower Tertiary Formations of New Jersey

Abstract

ABSTRACT The sediments of lower Tertiary age in New Jersey have been divided into four formations: the Hornerstown Marl, The Vincentown Sand, the Manasquan marl, and the Shark River Marl. This writer has recognized three of these units in outcrop: the Hornerstown, Vincentown, and Manasquan. The lithologic and paleontologic character of these formations suggests that they represent sedimentation in a regressive phase of an early Tertiary marine cycle. The available data suggests that marine currents were effective in distributing the sediments much of the time. Reducing conditions prevailed in the bottom sediments during the time the Hornerstown Formation was being deposited and locally during the time of deposition of the Vincentown and Manasquan Formations. The Vincentown Formation may have b en deposited in a shallow bay, parts of which were a haven for a cosmopolitan benthonic community. The outcropping Manasquan Formation was deposited in a near-shore, shallow water environment and may represent the climax of the regression.