Random Formation

Random Formation
Random Formation
Stratigraphic range:
	Some facies of the Random Formation: Synaresis cracks in mudstones, with overlying white cross-bedded tidal sandstones
Type	Formation
Unit of	Young's Cove Group, Musgravetown Group, or none, depending on authority (and location)
Underlies	(Unconformably) Bonavista Fm and others
Overlies	Chapel Island Fm (conformably, Burin Peninsula); Crown Hill Formation (conformably, Random Island);
Thickness	From a few metres to 250 m
Lithology
Primary	Herringbone-crossstratified white arenites
Other	Grey-green silts and shales
Location
Region	Newfoundland
Country	Canada
Type section
Named for	Random Island
	; Bedrock distribution of the Random Formation

The Random Formation is a rock unit in Newfoundland dating to the early Cambrian period, dominated by tidal quartz arenites deposited in a near-shore environment, but also incorporating intertidal and open-shelf deposits, including glauconitic and mud-cracked mudstones (now shales), and red channel sandstones. It was deposited quickly and is approximately 175 m (574 ft) thick. The Blue Pinion Formation was originally recognized as a separate formation, but is now interpreted as an expression of the Random Formation.