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Canyonlands National ParkSeedling in Biological Soil Crust
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Canyonlands National Park
Rock Strata
 

This sequence shows the deposited layers from youngest (top) to oldest (bottom). For clarity, the entire record of visible layers in this area is shown, including those not found in Canyonlands. Older rocks are not exposed in SE Utah, except for Precambrian rocks along the Colorado River in Westwater Canyon. Geologic names are actively debated and vary regionally, so sometimes two names are listed.

Dominant layers in Canyonlands include Navajo Sandstone through the Paradox Formation.

Name of Rock Strata Geologic
Period
Millions of
Years Ago
Abajo, Henrys and La Sal Mtns Tertiary

1.6

to

65

Green River Formation
Wasatch/Claron Formation
Mesa Verde Group Cretaceous

65

to

144

Mancos Shale
Dakota Sandstone
Burro Canyon/Cedar Mtn
Morrison Formation Jurassic

144

to

208

Sommerville Formation
Curtis Formation
Entrada Sandstone
Carmel Formation
Navajo Sandstone
Kayenta Formation
Wingate Sandstone
Chinle Formation Triassic

208

to

245

Moenkopi Formation
White Rim

Permian

*Cutler Undivided

245

to

286

Organ Rock Formation
Cedar Mesa Sandstone
Halgaito Shale/Lower Cutler
Honaker Trail Formation Pennsylvanian

286

to

320

Paradox Formation


Interactive Geologic Atlas
Interactive Geologic Atlas
Flash animations manage to simplify the story of Canyonlands.
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Collared Lizard  

Did You Know?
Lizards, including the colorful collared lizard, are one of the most frequently seen animals in Canyonlands. When not chasing flies or basking in the sun, they are often seen doing what appears to be push-ups. Scientists believe this and other behaviors signal dominance and facilitate courtship.

Last Updated: November 15, 2007 at 18:09 EST