Meramecian Series

rock unit, North America

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June 30, 2026

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The Meramecian Series is a rock unit from the Mississippian geologic period in North America. This period, part of the Carboniferous, lasted from approximately 358.9 to 323.2 million years ago. The Meramecian is situated between the Osagian and Chesterian series.12

During the Mississippian, shallow-water limestones were common, particularly in continental interiors. These limestones are often composed of fossilized crinoid fragments. The Meramec River in Missouri, from which the series gets its name, flows through limestone formations. The Chesterian Series, which follows the Meramecian, consists of alternating limestones, sandstones, and shales.345

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Carboniferous Period
Mississippian subsystem
The Meramecan and Chesterian series overlie previous layers. Other well-known Mississippian units in North America include: the Pocono Group and Mauch Chunk Shale of the Appalachian region; Fort Payne Chert of Tennessee and Alabama; the Caney and Goddard shales of the Arbuckle region, Oklahoma; the Stanley…
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The Meramecan and Chesterian series overlie previous layers. Other well-known Mississippian units in North America include: the Pocono Group and Mauch Chunk Shale of the Appalachian region; Fort Payne Chert of Tennessee and Alabama; the Caney and Goddard shales of the Arbuckle region, Oklahoma; the Stanley…
Read More