Ordovician Stratigraphy and the Physiography of Part of Southeastern Indiana

Abstract

This field trip guidebook discusses the stratigraphy and paleontology of the Ordovician rocks exposed in southeastern Indiana. Ordovician rocks in southern Indiana are exposed in a region that is stimulating to physiographers and Pleistocene geologist. Consequently, in addition to the stratigraphy and paleontology of the Ordovician bedrock, this conference directs attention to prominent physiographic features in this area, many of which owe their origin to Pleistocene glaciation, and to concepts regarding their development. Ordovician rocks in southern Indiana are paleontologically attractive because they are so richly fossiliferous. Well-preserved specimens maybe readily collected in weathered exposures and in the soft shales of the Cincinnatian (Upper Ordovician) series. Southeastern Indiana has not yielded mineral commodities as plentifully as other parts of the state. Nevertheless, two stops and several observation points along the route of the caravan draw attention to some of the industrial minerals found in this area. This conference is designed to present as coherent a view as time will permit of the geology of southeastern Indiana. The stops have been carefully selected to show features of stratigraphic, paleontologic, physiographic, or economic interest. Informal discussion among participants will contribute greatly to the success of the conference.