The Syracuse Formation is a geologic formation in the Appalachian Basin. It is the main salt bearing formation of the Salina Group. This formation depending on location contains up to six salt beds. Aside from salt the formation is made up of dolomite, shale, gypsum and anhydrite. Salt is commercially extracted in Michigan, New York and Ohio. Gypsum mining operations in Michigan and New York are also noted.[1]

Syracuse Formation
Stratigraphic range: Homerian
~428–425 Ma
TypeFormation
Unit ofSalina Group
Sub-unitsUnit F1, Unit F2, Unit F3, Unit F4, Unit F5, Unit E, Unit D
UnderliesBertie Formation
OverliesVernon Formation
AreaAppalachian Basin, Michigan Basin
Lithology
PrimaryDolomite, Halite
OtherAnhydrite, Gypsum, Shale, Limestone
Location
Region New York,  Ohio,  Pennsylvania,  West Virginia  Michigan
Country United States
Type section
Named forTown of Syracuse
Named byJ.M. Clarke

Description

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Outcrops in New York and Michigan contain very little if any salt, since surface water would have dissolved it long ago. Most of what we know about the formation comes from oil and natural gas drilling operations. The formation is broken up into several units each represented by a major salt bed.[1]

Stratigraphy

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The upper section or the F1-5 units are where commercially viable salt beds are found. In the E unit the salt beds are not as pure and therefor of little interest.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c Rickard, Lawrence (4 April 2023). "Stratigraphy of the Upper Silurian Salina Group New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Ontario" (PDF).