Yacoraite Formation
Yacoraite Formation | |
---|---|
Stratigraphic range: Maastrichtian-Danian | |
Type | Geological formation |
Unit of | Salta Group |
Sub-units | Amblayo, Güemes, Alemanía & Juramento Members |
Underlies | Mealla, Olmedo & Tunal Formations |
Overlies | Lecho Formation |
Lithology | |
Primary | Sandstone |
Other | Limestone |
Location | |
Coordinates | 23°30′S 65°24′W / 23.5°S 65.4°W |
Approximate paleocoordinates | 26°06′S 51°54′W / 26.1°S 51.9°W |
Region | Jujuy & Salta Provinces |
Country | Argentina |
Extent | Salta Basin |
Type section | |
Named for | Yacoraite village, Tilcara Department |
The Yacoraite Formation is a largely Mesozoic geologic formation. The deposits of this formation mainly date from the Maastrichtian of the Upper Cretaceous, but the Cretaceous–Paleogene boundary (K–T boundary) runs right through this formation near its top, and the uppermost parts are consequently from the Danian (Lower Paleocene). It was probably deposited around the intertidal zone, as the sedimentary rocks of this formation alternate according to sea level changes between deposits of muddy beaches and of shallow ocean.[1]
Fossil content
Dinosaur remains are among the fossils that have been recovered from the formation.[2]
Well-preserved dinosaur footprints assigned to Hadrosaurichnus australis have been found in this formation,[3] as were fossil eggs, stromatolites and the Mesozoic palynomorph Aquilapollenites. [1]
Other fossils recovered from the formation are:
- Ichnofossils
- Hadrosaurichnus australis[3]
- Salfitichnus mentoor[4]
- Taponichnus donottoi[4]
- Telosichnus saltensis[4]
- Yacoraitichnus avis[4]
See also
References
Bibliography
- Geologic formations of Argentina
- Upper Cretaceous Series of South America
- Cretaceous Argentina
- Maastrichtian Stage of South America
- Cretaceous–Paleogene boundary
- Paleocene Series of South America
- Paleogene Argentina
- Danian Stage
- Sandstone formations
- Limestone formations
- Deltaic deposits
- Ichnofossiliferous formations
- Salta Basin
- Fossiliferous stratigraphic units of South America
- Paleontology in Argentina
- Geology of Jujuy Province
- Geology of Salta Province