Cretaceous sediments on Staten Island have been considered to represent Raritan and Magothy formational units. Recent investigations of subsurface samples by Cousminer and Connors have resulted in correlations with Raritan Formation members exposed in northern New Jersey. Raritan Formation Members identified by pollen stratigraphy and petrologic studies were the Sayreville Sand Member and the Woodbridge Clay Member. No Magothy formational equivalents were found. New data have been collected from outcrop samples for correlation studies. These outcrops are slowly being destroyed by human activity.

Outcrop samples were collected from three localities and analyzed for grain-size distribution and mineralogic content. The Sayreville Sand Member on Staten Island is a light-colored, fine- to medium-grained, thin- to thick-bedded sand. Variegated clays and silts, thin- to thick-bedded, are layered with the sands. Thin micaceous silt and clay beds containing abundant lignitic fragments and some sulfide minerals are also present. The sands are extensively cross-stratified with small planar beds. Quartz is the principal component of the sand

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with minor mica and feldspar. Heavy-mineral analysis indicates high ZTR and SSK ratios.

Stratigraphic and sedimentologic interpretation suggests deposition as channel fill and overbank deposits by meandering streams in a subaerial environment. Sediment source area was probably the crystalline highlands on the northwest.

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