Boonton Formation

The Boonton Formation can be characterized as the uppermost continuation of the Passaic Formation, which is mostly playa and alluvial fan deposits resulting from the rifting of Pangea. However, unlike the Passaic Formation, which is primarily red in color due to arid conditions at the time of deposition,[3] the Boonton Formation contains a much more significant portion of non-red layers, indicative of lakes present during wetter periods.[4]

A chief difference between the Boonton Formation and all other formations of the Newark Basin is that the lower part of the formation lacks a cyclic deposition pattern. Typically, the sedimentary formations of the Newark Basin feature recurring periods of wet and dry deposition, resulting in a series of alternating red and gray-black beds. However, the lower beds of the Boonton Formation show a wide variety of color and texture arranged in no particular order.[1]

Fish fossils, including the ray-finned Semiontus elegans, the coelacanth Diplurus longicaudatus, and others, such as Redfieldius and Ptycholepis, can be found in the uppermost parts of the formation.[1] In other layers, indeterminate fossil ornithischian tracks have been noted[5] (Anomoepus is reported), along with additional reptile and dinosaur prints, such as those of Batrachopus, and the theropod Grallator. Fossil conifer remains, as well as other plant related fossils such as root structures and pollen, are also found in the formation.[1]

• Weishampel, David B.; Dodson, Peter; and Osmólska, Halszka (eds.): The Dinosauria, 2nd, Berkeley: University of California Press. 861 pp. ISBN 0-520-24209-2.