# Clinton Group

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Mapped unit of rock in North America

Clinton Group Stratigraphic range: Early Silurian PreꞒ Ꞓ O S D C P T J K Pg N Rocks of the Clinton Group on the east face of Schuylkill Gap Type Geological formation Sub-units Rochester Shale, Irondequoit Formation, Rose Hill Formation, Keefer Formation Underlies Bloomsburg Formation in Pennsylvania, Lockport Group in New York Overlies Tuscarora Formation in Pennsylvania, Clinch Formation in Virginia, Tennessee, and Maryland, Medina Group in New York Thickness 1640 ft Lithology Primary sandstone, shale, and limestone Other Ironstone and conglomerate, Location Region Appalachian Basin of eastern North America Country United States Extent Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York, West Virginia Type section Named for Clinton, New York Named by Lardner Vanuxem (1842)

The **Clinton Group** (also referred to as the **Clinton Formation** or the **Clinton Shale**) is a mapped unit of [sedimentary rock](/source/Sedimentary_rock) found throughout eastern North America.[1][2] The interval was first defined by the geologist [Lardner Vanuxem](/source/Lardner_Vanuxem), who derived the name from the village of [Clinton](/source/Clinton%2C_Oneida_County%2C_New_York) in [Oneida County, New York](/source/Oneida_County%2C_New_York), where several well exposed outcrops of these [strata](/source/Strata) can be found.[3][4] The Clinton Group and its lateral equivalents extend throughout much of the [Appalachian Foreland Basin](/source/Appalachian_Basin), a major structural and depositional province extending from New York to Alabama.[1] The term has been employed in Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, though in many of these areas the same interval is referred to as the Rose Hill, Rockwood, or Red Mountain Formations.[1][5] Historically the term "Clinton" has also been assigned to several lower Silurian stratigraphic units in Ohio and Kentucky which are now known to be significantly older than the Clinton Group as it was originally defined.[6] Many parts of this succession are richly fossiliferous, making the Clinton Group an important record of marine life during the early [Silurian](/source/Silurian).[4] Several economically valuable rock-types are found within this interval, though it is perhaps best known as a significant source of iron ore [7]

[Stratigraphically](/source/Stratigraphy), the Clinton Group overlies the coarse [siliciclastics](/source/Siliciclastic) of the Medina Group in New York, The Albion Group in the Subsurface of Ohio, the Clinch Sandstone in Virginia and West Virginia, and the Tuscarora Sandstone in Pennsylvania.[1][5] It is overlain by the shales and carbonates of the Lockport Group in New York, the McKenzie Formation in Pennsylvania, and the Sneedville Limestone in Tennessee.[1][5] Owing to the great difference in resistivity between the relatively soft, readily weathering Clinton Group and the massive [dolomites](/source/Dolomite_(rock)) of the overlying Lockport, the former tends to erode preferentially out from underneath the latter. This has resulted in the formation of numerous cataracts such as [Niagara Falls](/source/Niagara_Falls) and the [High Falls](/source/High_Falls_(Rochester%2C_New_York)) of [Rochester, New York](/source/Rochester%2C_New_York), which are but local manifestations of a regional geographic feature called the [Niagara Escarpment](/source/Niagara_Escarpment).[8]

## Description

The Clinton Group (or Formation) is a widely traceable, lower Silurian lithostratigraphic unit composed primarily of shale and mudstone, though it encompasses a heterogeneous assemblage of sedimentary rock types, including conglomerate, sandstone, limestone, dolomite, and ironstone.[4] In its designated type area in [Clinton, Oneida County, New York](/source/Clinton%2C_Oneida_County%2C_New_York) the unit is approximately 50 meters (180 feet) thick, and composed primarily of blue-grey mudstone, shale, and sandstone with several discrete ferruginous horizons, known colloquially as "Clinton Ironstones".[3][4] The lateral equivalent of these beds to the south is the Rose Hill Formation of Pennsylvania, and olive-gray to drab, thin-bedded sandstone.[9]

 An outcrop of Clinton Group Strata exposed at Seth Greene Drive in [Rochester, New York](/source/Rochester%2C_New_York). Pictured is the Reynales Limestone overlying the Maplewood Shale. The prominent bright red band is the Furnaceville (Ironstone) Member of the Reynales.

## Economic uses

In Maryland, the Rose Hill Formation contained the Cresaptown Iron Sandstone.[9]

## Age

Relative age dating of the Clinton Group places it in the Lower [Silurian](/source/Silurian) period. It rests conformably atop the [Tuscarora Formation](/source/Tuscarora_Formation) and conformably below the Lower and Upper Silurian [Lockport Group](/source/Lockport_Group)[10] and [Bloomsburg Formation](/source/Bloomsburg_Formation).[11]

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Brettetal1998_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Brettetal1998_1-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Brettetal1998_1-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Brettetal1998_1-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-Brettetal1998_1-4) Brett, C.E.; Baarli, B.G.; Chowns, T.; Cotter, E.; Driese, S.; Goodman, W.; Johnson, M.E. (1998). "Early Silurian Condensed Intervals, Ironstones, and Sequence Stratigraphy in the Appalachian Foreland Basin". In Landing, E.; Johnson, M.E. (eds.). *Silurian Cycles: Linkages of Dynamic Stratigraphy with Atmospheric, Oceanic and Tectonic Changes. James Hall Centennial Volume. New York State Museum Bulletin*. Vol. 491. pp. 89–143.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-geolexclinton_2-0)** ["Clinton Group, Group"](https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/ngm-bin/count_pub_refs.pl?publisher=USGS&url=%2FGeolex%2FNewUnits%2Funit_1111.html&refer=%2FProdesc%2Fproddesc_1124.htm&ref_type=g). *National Geologic Map Database*. Retrieved 2012-10-05.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Vanuxem1839_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Vanuxem1839_3-1) Vanuxem, L. (1839). "Third Annual Report of the Geological Survey of the Third District". *New York State Geological Survey Annual Report*. Vol. 3. pp. 241–285.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Gillette1947_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Gillette1947_4-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Gillette1947_4-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Gillette1947_4-3) Gillette, T. (1947). ["The Clinton of Western and Central New York"](http://128.121.13.244:8080/awweb/main.jsp?flag=browse&smd=1&awdid=1). *New York State Museum Bulletin*. Vol. 341. Albany, New York: The University of the State of New York. pp. 1–191.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Brettetal1990_5-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Brettetal1990_5-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Brettetal1990_5-2) Brett, C.E.; Goodman, W.M.; LoDuca, S.T. (1990). "Sequences, cycles, and basin dynamics in the Silurian of the Appalachian Foreland Basin". *Sedimentary Geology*. **69** (3–4): 191–244. [Bibcode](/source/Bibcode_(identifier)):[1990SedG...69..191B](https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1990SedG...69..191B). [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1016/0037-0738(90)90051-T](https://doi.org/10.1016%2F0037-0738%2890%2990051-T).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Rexroadetal1965_6-0)** Rexroad, C.B.; Branson, E.R.; Smith, M.O.; Summerson, C.; Boucot, A.J. (1965). "The Silurian Formations of East-Central Kentucky and Adjacent Ohio". *Kentucky Geological Survey, Series X*. **2**: 1–34.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Williams1998_7-0)** ["Iron Ore Mining and Manufacturing in the Town of Kirkland"](http://www.clintonhistory.org/A019.html). *Lecture at the Clinton Historical Society meeting on April 16, 1998 at the Society's Headquarters on Fountain Street, Clinton, New York*. Retrieved 2012-10-05.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ["The Niagara Escarpment"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100604132605/http://www.uwgb.edu/dutchs/GeologyWisconsin/niagesc.htm). Archived from [the original](http://www.uwgb.edu/dutchs/GeologyWisconsin/niagesc.htm) on 2010-06-04. Retrieved 2012-10-05.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-titleGeologic_Maps_of_Maryland:_9-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-titleGeologic_Maps_of_Maryland:_9-1) ["Geologic Maps of Maryland"](http://www.mgs.md.gov/esic/geo/lgdalleg.html). Retrieved 2008-01-26.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-USGS_10-0)** Ryder, Robert T.; et al. ["Possible Continuous-Type (Unconventional) Gas Accumulation in Lower Silurian "Clinton" Sands, Medina Group, and the Tuscarora Sandstone in the Appalachian Basin: A Progress Report of 1995 project activities"](https://pubs.usgs.gov/of/1996/of96-042/sandston.htm). [USGS](/source/USGS). Retrieved 2008-01-26.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-OFBM_11-0)** Jackson, Margaret S.; Hanley, Peter M.; Sak, Peter B. (2007). ["Preliminary Bedrock Geologic Map of the Middle Portion of the Susquehanna River Valley, Cumberland, Dauphin, And Perry Counties, Pennsylvania"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110609184558/http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/topogeo/openfile/midsusque.pdf) (PDF). *Open File Report OFBM-07-05.0*. [Pennsylvania Geological Survey](/source/Pennsylvania_Geological_Survey). Archived from [the original](http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/topogeo/openfile/midsusque.pdf) (PDF) on June 9, 2011. Retrieved 2008-01-26.

## See also

- [Geology of Pennsylvania](/source/Geology_of_Pennsylvania)

[40°44′05″N 77°46′42″W / 40.73472°N 77.77833°W / 40.73472; -77.77833](https://geohack.toolforge.org/geohack.php?pagename=Clinton_Group&params=40_44_05_N_77_46_42_W_source:enwiki-plaintext-parser)

v t e Chronostratigraphy of New York Ph Pz D Upper Famennian Conewango Group Cattaraugus Formation Oswayo Formation Conneaut Group Ellicott Formation Chadokin Formation Whitesville Formation Canadaway Group Gowanda Formation Dunkirk Formation Caneadea Formation Wellsville Formation Westfield Shale Panama Conglomerate Perrysburg Formation Frasnian West Falls Group/Java Group Hanover Formation Wiscoy Formation Angola Formation Nunda Formation Rhinestreet Formation Sonyea Group Cashaqua Shale Middlesex Shale Genesee Group West River Shale Penn Yan Formation Geneseo Shale Ithaca Formation Oneonta Formation Middle Givetian Tully Limestone Hamilton Group Ashokan Formation Manorkill Formation Moscow Formation/Portland Point Formation Cooperstown Formation Ludlowville Formation/Skaneateles Formation/Panther Mountain Formation Eifelian Hamilton Group Marcellus Shale Mount Marion Formation Onondaga Limestone Tioga Bentonites Lower Emsian Tristates Group Bois Blanc Formation/Schoharie Formation Esopus Formation Oriskany Sandstone/Glenerie Formation S Pridoli Bertie Formation Ludlow Ludfordian Salina Group Gorstian Salina Group Wenlock Homerian Salina Group Sheinwoodian Irondequoit Formation O Upper Katian Denley Formation Hillier Formation Indian Castle Shale Rust Formation Steuben Formation Sugar River Formation Sandbian Trenton Limestone Group Kings Falls Formation Black River Group Lowville Formation Napanee Formation Selby Formation Sugar River Formation Black River Group

v t e Chronostratigraphy of Pennsylvania Ph Pz P Cisuralian Dunkard Group Greene Formation Windy Gap Limestone Windy Gap Coal Gilmore Limestone Nineveh Sandstone Nineveh Coal Nineveh Limestone Fish Creek Sandstone Claysville Limestone Dunkard Coal Prosperity Limestone Tenmile Coal Donley Limestone Upper Washington Coal Rockport Member Washington Formation Upper Washington Limestone Member Jollytown Limestone Member Jollytown Coal Middle Washington Limestone Member Washington Coal Lower Washington Limestone Member C ⁋ Gzhelian Dunkard Group Waynesburg Formation Upper Waynesburg Member Little Washington Coal Waynesburg“B” coal Middle Waynesburg Member Waynesburg“A” coal Lower Waynesburg Member Monongahela Group Uniontown Formation Waynesburg coal "No. 11 Coal" Gilboy Sandstone Member Little Waynesburg Coal Waynesburg Limestone Member Uniontown Sanstone Member Annabelle Shale Member Uniontown Coal "No. 10 Coal" Uniontown Limestone Member "Great Lime" Fulton Shale Member Pittsburgh Formation Benwood Limestone Upper Sewickley Coal Upper Sewickley Sandstone Member Sewickley Coal "Meigis Creek" "No. 9 Coal" Lower Sewickley Sandstone Member Sewickley Limestone Member Cedarville Sanstone Member Redstone-Pomeroy coal "No 8a. Coal" Westone Sanstone Member Pittsburgh coal seam "No. 8 Coal" Kasimovian Conemaugh Group Casselman Formation Upper Pittsburgh Limestone Member Little Pittsburgh coal seam Lower Pittsburgh Limestone Member Connellsville Member Morgantown Member Birmingham Member Glenshaw Formation Ames Limestone Pittsburgh Red Beds Upper Bakerstown coal Upper Saltsburg Sandstone Member Woods Run Limestone Member Lower Saltsburg Sandstone Member Pine Creek Limestone Member Buffalo Sandstone Member Bush Creek Limestone Member Mahoning Formation Bush Creek Coal Upper Mahoning Sandstone Member Mahoning Coal "No. 7a Coal" Lower Mahoning Sandstone Member Moscovian Allegheny Group Freeport Formation Upper Freeport Coal "No. 7 Coal" Upper Freeport Limestone Member Butler Sandstone Member Lower Freeport Coal "No. 6a Coal" Upper Freeport Limestone Member Freeport Sandstone Member Kittanning Formation Upper Kittanning Coal Johnstone Limestone Member Middle Kittanning Coal "No. 6 Coal" Lower Kittanning Coal "No. 5 Coal" Kittanning Sandstone Member Clarian Formation Clarian Coal "No. 4a Coal" Vanport Limestone Member Brookville Coal "No. 4 Coal" Brookville Member Pottsville Group Beaver River Formation Homewood Sandstone Member "1st Salt Sand" Mercer Formation Upper Mercer Limestone Member Upper Mercer Coal Lower Mercer Limestone Member Lower Mercer Coal "No. 3 Coal" Bashkirian Pottsville Group Connoquenessing Formation Upper Connoquenessing Sandstone Member "2nd Salt Sand" Quakertown Coal "No. 2 Coal" Quakertown Fire Clay Quakertown Shale Lower Connoquenessing Sandstone Member Sharon Formation Sharon Shale Member Sharon Coal "No. 1 Coal" Sharon Sandstone M Serpukhovian Shenango Formation Mauch Chunk Group Bluestone Formation Princeton Formation Hinton Formation Maxton Sandstone Bluefield Formation "Little Lime" Viséan Greenbrier Limestone "Big Lime" Loyalhanna Formation Tournaisian Cuyahoga Formation Pocono Group Burgoon Formation "Big Injun Sandstone" Sunbury Shale Berea Sandstone Bedford Shale Rockwell Formation D Upper Famennian Brallier Formation Lock Haven Formation Riceville Formation Oswayo Formation Bedford Shale Cussewago Formation Venango Group Woodcock Sandstone, Salamanca Sandstone, Panama Sandston Chadakoin Formation Bradford Group Upper Warren, Lower Warren, Speechely Stray, Speechely, Balltown A, Balltown B, Balltown C, Sheffield, First Bradford, Second Bradford, Third Bradford, Kane Elk Group 1st Elk Sand, 2nd Elk Sand, 3rd Elk Sand, 4th Elk Sand, 5th Elk Sand Ohio Shale Cleveland Shale Chagrin Formation Huron Shale Java Formation Rockwell Formation Huntley Mountain Formation Hampshire Formation Catskill Group Duncannon Member Sherman Creek Member Irish Valley Member Frasnian Catskill Group Sherman Creek Member Irish Valley Member Brallier Formation Lock Haven Formation West Falls Group Angola Formation Rhinestreet Shale Sonyea Group Cashaqua Shale Middlesex Shale Genesee Group / Harrell Shale West River Shale Penn Yan Formation Burket Shale / Geneseo Shale Knapp Conglomerate Murrysville Sandstone Middle Givetian Tully Limestone Hamilton Group Moscow Formation Ludlow Formation Skaneateles Formation Tichnor Formation Mahantango Formation Eifelian Hamilton Group Marcellus Formation Onondaga Limestone Seneca Moorehouse Nedrow Edgecliff Huntersville Chert Bobs Ridge Sandstone Member Needmore Shale Lower Emsian Huntersville Chert, Needmore Shale, Bois Blanc Formation Oriskany Formation Helderberg Group (geology) Pragian Helderberg Group (geology) Lochkovian Helderberg Group (geology) Keyser Formation Manlius Limestone S Pridoli Bass Islands Formation Akron Formation Salina Group Bertie Formation Ludlow Ludfordian Salina Group Camillus Formation Gorstian Salina Group Syracuse Formation Wenlock Homerian Salina Group Vernon Formation Lockport Group Guelph Formation Eramosa Formation Goat Island Formation Gasport Formation Llandovery Clinton Group Rochester Shale Irondequoit Formation Rose Hill Formation "Red Clinton" Medina Group Tuscarora Formation O Upper Queenston Formation Reedsville Formation Utica Shale Trenton Group Black River Group Loyalsburg Formation Middle Wells Creek Formation Knox Supergroup Beekmantown Group: Bellefonte Formation Lower Knox Supergroup Beekmantown Group Axeman Formation Nittany Formation Stonehenge Formation Є Furongian Knox Supergroup Gatesburgh Formation Warrior Formation Series 2 Stage 4 Kinzers Formation Potsdam Formation Pleasant Hill Formation Waynesboro Formation Tomstown Formation Antietam Formation pЄ Grenville Complex

v t e Silurian Period Llandovery Wenlock Ludlow Pridoli Rhuddanian Aeronian Telychian Sheinwoodian Homerian Gorstian Ludfordian

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Clinton Group](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clinton_Group) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clinton_Group?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.