December 05, 2013: Day 10, Mesa Redonda, Shinarump, and Moenkopi

The day began coring varigated muudstones and sandstones of the Mesa Redonda Member, much of which was red. But at 460 ft pebbles began to appear as the sandstone became more tan on color. This became a round-stone conglomerate, the base of which was at 475 ft (1). This facies, when encountered at the base of the Chinle is usually termed the Shinarump Conglomerate Member of the Chinle. However, it can also be considered as a coarse  facies of the Mesa Redonda or vice-versa.

This was followed directly by typical red sandstone of the Holbrook Member of the Moenkop Formation. Red standstones with red nudstones were recovered the rest of the day. The rate of coring sped up.


shinarump
(1) Shinarump Conglomerate at 475 ft.
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