Lituya (M6528) is a fossil collection site in Lituya, Alaska, cataloged in the Paleobiology Database. Fossils here come from the Topsy Formation, dated to the Burdigalian to Serravallian (20.45–11.63 million years ago). The depositional environment is recorded as coastal indet. Documented finds include Calliostoma, Turbinidae, Cryptonatica affinis, Fusitriton oregonensis, Colus, Acila (Truncacila) taliaferroi.

Geologic setting

Formation: Topsy
Geologic interval: Burdigalian to Serravallian
Age: 20.45–11.63 Ma
Depositional environment: coastal indet.
Recorded occurrences: 19

Geology notes

Because discontinuous outcrops and structurally complex geology in this area preclude reliable lithiologic correlations with other formations in this region and because no well-preserved, age-diagnostic fossils have been reported before from these strata, the age and depositional environment of the Topsy Formation have been the subjects for speculation.

Locality notes

Isolated outcrop nar head of Fall CReek, along strike from lower part of type-section of Topsy Formation, 289m S and 274 m W of NE cor. S33, T37S, R48E, Mt Fairweather quadrangle. Lituya district, southeastern Alaska. Lat/long estimates based on nearby locality of Cenotaph Island (583825N 1373451W).

Fossils found here

Calliostoma

Gastropoda · Trochidae

Turbinidae

Gastropoda · Turbinidae

Cryptonatica affinis

Gastropoda · Naticidae

Fusitriton oregonensis

Gastropoda · Ranellidae

Colus

Gastropoda · Colidae

Acila (Truncacila) taliaferroi

Bivalvia · Nuculidae

Nuculana

Bivalvia · Nuculanidae

Chlamys

Bivalvia · Pectinidae

Lucinoma acutilineata

Bivalvia · Lucinidae

Macoma albaria

Bivalvia · Tellinidae

Macoma (Macoma) golikovi

Bivalvia · Tellinidae

Macoma (Macoma) twinensis

Bivalvia · Tellinidae

Spisula

Bivalvia · Mactridae

Periploma (Aelga)

Bivalvia · Periplomatidae

Periploma

Bivalvia · Periplomatidae

Clypeasterina

Echinoidea

Osteichthyes

Records and references

Data: Paleobiology Database collection 37383 (CC BY 4.0) — view the source record

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Questions about Lituya (M6528)

Can you collect at Lituya (M6528)?

It depends on who owns the land and whether a mining claim covers it. BLM land usually allows hand collecting for personal use, national parks allow none, and private land needs the owner’s permission. Pro members see the owner and any claims at this spot.

What minerals are found at Lituya (M6528)?

Fossil.

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Source: Paleobiology Database.