Melbourne Formation
AgeLudlow epoch
~
PeriodLudlow
PrilithologySandstone, siltstone
OtherlithologyShale, mudstone
NamedforMelbourne
NamedbySchleiger
Year ts1974
RegionVictoria
CountryAustralia
Coordinates37.8°S 145.0°E
Paleocoordinates2.1°S 174.9°E
UnitofMurrindindi Supergroup
UnderliesHumevale Formation
OverliesYan Yean & Anderson Creek Formations
ExtentLachlan Orogen

The Melbourne Formation is a geologic formation in Victoria, Australia. It preserves fossils dating back to the Ludlow epoch of the Silurian period.[1][2]

Description

The Melbourne Formation, part of the Murrindindi Supergroup, is conformably overlain by the Humevale Formation and overlies the Yan Yean and Anderson Creek Formations. The formation comprises mainly thin-bedded siltstone and sandstones. Most beds show undisturbed Bouma sequences.[1]

Fossil content

The following fossils were reported from the formation:[2]

Eurypterids

Trilobites

Brachiopods

Gastropods

Bivalves

Scyphozoa

Corals

Ophiuroidea

Crinoids

See also

References

  1. ^ Melbourne Formation at the Australian Stratigraphic Units Database
  2. ^ Melbourne Formation at Fossilworks.org
  3. ^ Plotnick, 1999
  4. ^ Talent, 1965
  5. ^ Jell & Holloway, 1983

Bibliography

  • Plotnick, R. E (1999), "Habitat of Llandoverian-Lochkovian eurypterids", in A. J. Boucot, J. D. Lawson (eds.), Paleocommunities - a case study from the Silurian and Lower Devonian, pp. 106–136
  • Jell, P. A. & Holloway, D. J. (1983), "Devonian and ?Late Silurian Palaeontology of the Winneke Reservoir Site, Christmas Hills, Victoria", Proceedings of the Royal Society of Victoria. 95: 1–21
  • Talent, J. A (1965), "The Silurian and Early Devonian Faunas of the Heathcote District, Victoria", Geological Survey of Victoria Memoir. 26: 1–55

Further reading

  • Schleiger, N.W., 1974, Statistical methods for analysis and mapping of flysch-type sediments., Sedimentology, 21(2), p223-249