An Analysis of Organic Matter in the Vinini Creek Formation of East-Central Nevada

Abstract

A stratigraphic section within the Vinini Formation at Vinini Creek records a rarely preserved extinction event at the close of the Ordovician in a nearly continous manner. The rich organic sediment of this section can be correlated chemostratigraphically, lithostratigraphically, and biostratigraphically to relate tectonic earth system dynamics. Three distinct stages of regional system dynamics are found to surround the extinction event. The chemical analysis is interpreted using Rock-Eval Pyrolysis methods which furthermore indicate a potential petroleum source within the Vinini Formation.