69-4 Using the Leithsville Formation to Infer Laurentia’s Early Cambrian Paleoclimate and Latitude
Session:
Poster Booth No.: 167
Presenting Author:
Nathan GosteyAuthors:
Gostey, Nathan1, LaPorta, Philip2, LaPorta, Margaret3(1) Youngstown State University, Youngstown, Ohio, USA, (2) Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University, Palisades, New York, USA, (3) Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University, Palisades, New York, USA,
Abstract:
The paleogeographic position of Laurentia during the Neoproterozoic to Middle Cambrian remains debated, with some reconstructions suggesting a subpolar setting and others placing it in tropical latitudes. The Cambrian-aged Leithsville Formation, its subdivisions (Califon, Hamburg, and Wallkill members), and the underlying Hardyston Formation, all offer insight into this period of tectonic transition. This study uses detailed stratigraphic, sedimentological, and potential paleomagnetic analysis to evaluate Laurentia’s Early Cambrian latitudinal position and the depositional history of these formations. Fieldwork included creation of a detailed stratigraphic section, documentation of lithologic and structural features, and collection of samples for petrographic and paleomagnetic analysis. Preliminary results from the Leithsville Formation reveal diverse sedimentary features—including oncoids, pisoids, stromatolites, thrombolites, Skolithos, ripple marks, and cut-and-fill channels—alongside diagenetic features such as chert-replacement, dolomitization, and stylolites. The presence of Archaeocyathus in both the Califon and Hamburg members supports a Lower Cambrian age. Environmental interpretation suggests a range of depositional settings: the Califon Member represents a shallow, open carbonate platform with thrombolites and rubble zones; the Hamburg Member reflects episodic transgressions and regressions, with arid sabkha and tidal-flat conditions; and the Wallkill Member records high-energy tidal to peritidal conditions marked by pisoidal shoals and stromatolitic mats. These features collectively suggest Laurentia was located in a low-latitude, arid, tropical to subtropical environment during the Early Cambrian, inconsistent with the temperate latitude that current tectonic models constrain the study region to. Ongoing analysis of thin sections and paleomagnetic data will help further constrain the continent’s paleolatitude during this critical interval in Earth’s history, allowing for an overall better understanding of Earth’s climate in deep time.
Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 57, No. 6, 2025
doi: 10.1130/abs/2025AM-8612
© Copyright 2025 The Geological Society of America (GSA), all rights reserved.
Using the Leithsville Formation to Infer Laurentia’s Early Cambrian Paleoclimate and Latitude
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Discipline > Stratigraphy
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