Stratigraphic model for timing the opening of the Proto–Atlantic Ocean in northern Virginia

Research Article| April 01, 1986 Stratigraphic model for timing the opening of the Proto–Atlantic Ocean in northern Virginia Lynn S. Fichter; Lynn S. Fichter 1Department of Geology and Geography, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Richard J. Diecchio Richard J. Diecchio 2Department of Geology, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia 22030 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information Lynn S. Fichter 1Department of Geology and Geography, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807 Richard J. Diecchio 2Department of Geology, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia 22030 Publisher: Geological Society of America First Online: 01 Jun 2017 Online ISSN: 1943-2682 Print ISSN: 0091-7613 Geological Society of America Geology (1986) 14 (4): 307–309. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1986)14<307:SMFTTO>2.0.CO;2 Article history First Online: 01 Jun 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Permissions Search Site Citation Lynn S. Fichter, Richard J. Diecchio; Stratigraphic model for timing the opening of the Proto–Atlantic Ocean in northern Virginia. Geology 1986;; 14 (4): 307–309. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1986)14<307:SMFTTO>2.0.CO;2 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract Theoretical rifting models suggest that rifting events have predictable stages, time spans, and characteristics. The stratigraphy and sedimentary tectonics of northern Virginia were compared with the theoretical models for the opening of ocean basins. According to our model the rift valley stage of initial uplift and graben formation (0–10 m.y. after onset of rifting) is represented in Virginia by the Lynchburg and equivalent formations. The initiation of ocean crust formation immediately follows the rift valley stage (10–15 m.y.) and is represented in Virginia by the Catoctin Formation. Sedimentation on an unstable, thermally subsiding continental margin (youthful stage, 10–60 m.y.) is represented by the Weverton and Harpers Formations. The beginning of deposition on a stable continental margin occurs no later than 60 m.y. after onset of rifting according to the theoretical models, and in Virginia it is represented by the Antietam Formation. A biostratigraphic age of Early Cambrian (ca. 570 Ma) for the Antietam provides the datum for proposing that the rifting which opened the Proto-Atlantic in Virginia was initiated 60 m.y. before deposition of the Antietam, at most about 630 Ma. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.