Earth:Yacoraite Formation

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Short description: Geologic formation in Argentina
Yacoraite Formation
Stratigraphic range: Maastrichtian-Danian
TypeGeological formation
Unit ofSalta Group
Sub-unitsAmblayo, Güemes, Alemanía & Juramento Members
UnderliesMealla, Olmedo & Tunal Formations
OverliesLecho Formation
Lithology
PrimarySandstone
OtherLimestone
Location
Coordinates [ ⚑ ] : 23°30′S 65°24′W / 23.5°S 65.4°W / -23.5; -65.4
Paleocoordinates [ ⚑ ] 26°06′S 51°54′W / 26.1°S 51.9°W / -26.1; -51.9
RegionJujuy & Salta Provinces
Country Argentina
ExtentSalta Basin
Type section
Named forYacoraite village, Tilcara Department
Yacoraite Formation is located in Argentina
Yacoraite Formation
Yacoraite Formation (Argentina)

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

  • List of dinosaur-bearing rock formations
    • List of stratigraphic units with indeterminate dinosaur fossils

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Marquillas et al. (2003)
  2. Weishampel et al. (2004: pp.517-607)
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Leonardi, 1994, p.30
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Leonardi, 1994, p.79

Bibliography