Macanal Formation
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Macanal Formation or Macanal Shale (Spanish: (Formación) Lutitas de Macanal, Kilm, K1m) is a fossiliferous geological formation of the Altiplano Cundiboyacense and Tenza Valley in the Eastern Ranges of the Colombian Andes. The predominantly organic shale formation dates to the Early Cretaceous period; Berriasian to Valanginian epochs and has a maximum thickness of 2,935 metres (9,629 ft). The Macanal Formation contains numerous levels of fossiliferous abundances. Bivalves, ammonites and fossil flora have been found in the formation.
Quick Facts Type, Unit of ...
Macanal Formation | |
---|---|
Stratigraphic range: Berriasian-Valanginian ~140–132 Ma | |
Type | Geological formation |
Unit of | Cáqueza Group |
Underlies | Las Juntas Formation |
Overlies | Guavio Fm., Santa Rosa Fm., Ubalá Fm., Chivor Fm., Batá Fm. |
Thickness | up to 2,935 m (9,629 ft) |
Lithology | |
Primary | Organic shale |
Other | Limestone, gypsum, emeralds |
Location | |
Coordinates | 4°58′19″N 73°19′10″W |
Region | Altiplano Cundiboyacense & Tenza Valley Eastern Ranges Andes |
Country | Colombia |
Type section | |
Named for | Macanal |
Named by | Rodríguez & Ulloa |
Location | Macanal |
Year defined | 1979 |
Coordinates | 4°58′19″N 73°19′10″W |
Region | Boyacá |
Country | Colombia |
Close
The formation is a source rock for oil and gas in the Eastern Cordillera Basin and adjacent Llanos Basin foothills and provides emeralds in the vicinity of Macanal, after which the formation is named.