Murdock Syncline

Part of the La Salle Anticlinorium

Location

Northeastern Douglas to eastern Coles County (F, G-7)

References

Clegg 1959, 1965a, b, Bristol and Prescott 1968

Description

The Murdock Syncline is within the La Salle Anticlinorium and separates the Tuscola Anticline on the west from the Brocton and Ashmore Domes on the east. The syncline trends north to south and is present at all mapped horizons. It is open on the south and plunges obliquely down the steep west flank of the La Salle Anticlinorium. Clegg mapped minor enclosed depressions on Pennsylvanian horizons near the north end of the syncline. Clegg's contour interval was 25 feet (7.6 m), but other maps that have larger contour intervals do not indicate closure. The limbs of the syncline dip gently at the north end and become steeper southward.