The Tarkio Limestone, is a Late-Carboniferousmember of the Zeandale Formation in Kansas, extending into Nebraska, Iowa, and Missouri.[2][1] The unit was named for outcrops in the Tarkio Valley in northwestern Missouri, however, R.C. Moore designated a typical exposure of this unit on Mill Creek, southwest of Maple Hill, Kansas.[3] Owing to its unusual coloration, an early name for this rock was chocolate limestone.[2] This rock can be recognized by its coloration and abundant fusulinids, Triticites ventricosus, protruding from the surfaces, giving a "raspy" texture.[4]
The Tarkio Limestone forms bold bluffs along Deep Creek in southeastern Riley County, Kansas and can be easily accessed there at Pillsbury Crossing,[3] about 30 miles (48 km) west of Maple Hill.
^ abJewett, John M. (1941). The Geology of Riley and Geary Counties, Kansas, Kansas Geological Survey Bulletin 39. University of Kansas Publications, State Geological Survey of Kansas. Retrieved 2024-06-02. Distribution'--The Tarkio limestone forms a bench and bold cliff on each side of Deep Creek southeast of Zeandale and is exposed along the east-west road in sec. 29, T. 10 S., R. 9 E.; along the north-south road in the southeast part of the same section; along the cliff that crosses secs. 27, 28 and 33, T. 10 S., R. 9 E.; at Pillsbury's Crossing, ...
^Jewett, John M. (1941). The Geology of Riley and Geary Counties, Kansas, Kansas Geological Survey Bulletin 39. University of Kansas Publications, State Geological Survey of Kansas. Retrieved 2024-06-02. Very robust fusulinids, Triticites ventricosus, stand out on weathered surfaces and impart a rasp-like appearance. Where best exposed the limestone is seen to consist of two beds, each approximately 6 feet thick.