The Tampa Formation of west-central Florida historically has been defined primarily from biostratigraphic and geochronologic criteria. Formation definitions based on these criteria are not in accordance with the American Code of Stratigraphic Nomenclature. Furthermore, a type section of the Tampa has never been established. Currently, the Tampa Formation is recognized by ill-defined and conflicting criteria with boundaries that are vague. At the originally described localities on Tampa Bay, there is an interval of rocks that is mappable, has recognizable boundaries, and is capable of being defined in accordance with the code. It is proposed that this unit be designated the Tampa Formation. The unit is generally a quartz sandy limestone, having at least 10% quartz sand and less than 1% phosphate. The boundary with the units above the Tampa is defined by phosphate-bearing (5 to 50%) dolomites, clays, and quartz sands. The lower boundary is marked by a relatively pure carbonate unit containing only trace phosphates or quartz sands. The Tampa has been indirectly correlated with the Oligocene Chickasawhay Stage of the Gulf Coast. A type section for the Tampa is established in the Ballast Point core held by the Florida Bureau of Geology. The core was taken at Tampa Bay, Florida.

End_of_Article - Last_Page 1605------------