Geology of volcanic and subvolcanic rocks of the Raton-Springer area, Colfax and Union Counties, New Mexico
The most prominent geomorphic features of the Raton-Springer area are the widely distributed volcanic and subvolcanic rock formations, consisting of cinder cones, domes, lava-capped mesas, a domed sill complex, and dikes. Rock compositions range from mafic to salic, and many are alkalic. Rock names used in this report are based on the classification of La Roche and others (1980). Sixteen new K-Ar age determinations and three new fission-track age determinations are given here for selected rocks in this area. Reconnaissance geologic mapping of the Springer and Raton 30 feet x 60 feet quadrangles (September 1980 to May 1982) and preparation of the resulting maps provided much field and laboratory data about the igneous rocks of this part of the Great Plains. No published geologic map or report describes adequately the distribution and character of the alkalic rocks of this area. This report presents new descriptive information on field relations, chemical analyses, and K-Ar ages of igneous rocks in the area with the hope that others will be encouraged to investigate the geology of this interesting area in greater detail.
- OSTI ID:
- 5599571
- Journal Information:
- United States Geological Survey, Professional Paper; (USA), Vol. 1507
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
NEW MEXICO
VOLCANIC REGIONS
GEOLOGY
AGE ESTIMATION
ARGON ISOTOPES
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
CRETACEOUS PERIOD
DIKES
DISTRIBUTION
FISSION TRACKS
GEOLOGIC FORMATIONS
GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES
GEOMORPHOLOGY
GREAT PLAINS
IGNEOUS ROCKS
ISOTOPE DATING
LAVA
MAPPING
PETROGRAPHY
POTASSIUM ISOTOPES
QUATERNARY PERIOD
SEDIMENTARY ROCKS
TERTIARY PERIOD
VOLCANIC ROCKS
ALKALI METAL ISOTOPES
CENOZOIC ERA
DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
FEDERAL REGION VI
GEOLOGIC AGES
ISOTOPES
MESOZOIC ERA
NORTH AMERICA
PARTICLE TRACKS
ROCKS
USA
580000* - Geosciences