New Mexico Geological Society Annual Spring Meeting — Abstracts

Trace element concentrations have been determined in samples from a 303.4 ft continuous core and correlated outcrops from the Fruitland Formation, Fossil Forest study area, San Juan Basin, New Mexico. Be, Co, Cr, cu, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Pb, Sb, Sr, V, and Zn concentrations have been determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy on more than 100 samples from throughout the Fruitland Formation. The Fruitland Formation is approximately 430 ft thick in the sampling area and analyses from the underlying Pictured Cliffs Sandstone through the overlying Kirtland Shale are included.

The samples are from a variety of lithologies including the principle lithologic components of the regressive Fruitland Formation; mudstone, siltstone, sandstone, and coal. In addition, included resins, unusual carbonates and frequently occurring ash partings from the coals were analyzed. Trace element concentrations vary with lithology and inferred depositional environments.