Basal Beds of Salado Formation in Fletcher Potash Core Test, Near Carlsbad, New Mexico

The Fletcher potash core test, drilled east of Carlsbad, New Mexico, penetrated a section of the salt-bearing Salado formation of Permian age, from which no other consecutive cores are available either from potash core tests or the numerous wells drilled for oil. These cores have been studied in detail for the sedimentary and stratigraphic evidence they disclose; a detailed log has been compiled of the section; and some of the minerals of the core have been determined by means of chemical analysis and X-rays. The sequence here described extends from above the Cowden anhydrite member of the Salado formation into the underlying Carlsbad limestone. Two members of the Salado formation, the La Huerta siltstone and Fletcher anhydrite members, are here defined. Also evidence for an erosional unconformity between the Fletcher anhydrite member and the Carlsbad limestone as disclosed by the core is presented.