Paleoenvironments and Paleoecology of the Green River Formation in Fossil Basin (Fossil Butte National Monument), Wyoming

Abstract

In cooperation with Fossil Butte National Monument detailed paleontological and geological investigations of Eocene "Fossil Lake" (Green River Formation) were conducted during the summer of 1981. The principle objectives of this research are to determine the paleoenvironments and paleoecology of Fossil Lake by: 1) documenting the vertical stratigraphic distribution of the fossil biota and trace fossils; 2) determining the lateral variations in biota during a particular time interval; 3) mapping the lake deposits with particular emphasis on the extent of the "Lower Oil Shale Horizon" and approximate positions of the ancient shorelines, deltas, and islands; and 4) measuring stratigraphic sections and correlating important sedimentary units throughout the basin.