Nebraska during the Carboniferous (Pennsylvanian)- Permian Period

Pennsylvanian rocks are the oldest rocks exposed at the earth's surface in Nebraska.

(Click HERE to learn more about these particular rock units)

315 Ma

Lower Pennsylvanian Epoch

Pennsylvanian seas advanced over a highly eroded and faulted land surface - all the older Paleozoic rocks had been removed over the Nemaha Uplift (in southeastern Nebraska) and the Cambridge Arch (in Western Nebraska).

 

300 Ma

Upper Pennsylvanian Epoch

At this time, cyclothem deposits were occuring within the Midwestern states, including Nebraska. When sea levels were relatively high, black shale was deposited.

 

290 Ma

Cisuralian Epoch

During periods of transitioning sea level, limestones are deposited.

Permian rocks deposited during this time consist of shale, limestone, and sandstone. The rocks indicate an arid climate with drying seas (based upon the occurrence of gypsum and salt - both evaporite products).

275 Ma

Cisuralian Epoch

When sea levels were relatively low, coals and/or paleosols (ancient soils) were deposited.

At this time, a gradual shift toward more terrestrial conditions occurs.

260 Ma

Lopingian Epoch

Terrestrial conditions occur in Nebraska, producing an unconformity (or erosional gap) within the rock record.

The images above are Paleozoic paleogeographic maps of the central United States (from Dr. Ron Blakey- http://jan.ucc.nau.edu/~rcb7/ ) that are based on observations in the geologic record. Nebraska is outlined in yellow. Click HERE to visit Dr. Blakey's website to learn more about paleogeography and how the continents have changed position throughout geologic time.

 

 

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