The chapters in this book will cover the paleontology and geology of
some important rock formations (Paleozoic and Paleogene) in the
northeastern United States. The emphasis will be on brachiopod
paleontology, specifically taxonomy, but will also include comments on
morphologic variation and community analysis. The Martinsburg formation
in the lower mid-Hudson Valley has been studied for many years but
recently yielded numerous marine fossils that shed new light on the
community ecology of the formation in the region. The Middle Silurian
Shawangunk Formation near New Paltz, New York, is an important
ridge-maker that extends toward the southwest into Pennsylvania.
Recently discovered rare trace fossils in the Shawangunk will be
discussed along with the depositional environment of the conglomerate.
The Onondaga Limestone is a well-known formation that crops out from
Port Jervis, northeast toward Albany and the westward to Buffalo. The
brachiopods and community structure of the formation will be covered in
some detail. The paleoecology of the Paleogene Hornerstown Formation of
New Jersey will also be discussed, including a biostrome of large
terebratulid brachiopods.