Earth:San Benito Formation, Bolivia

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Short description: Geologic formation in Bolivia
San Benito Formation
Stratigraphic range: Katian
~460–446 Ma
TypeGeological formation
Unit ofCochabamba Group
UnderliesCancañiri Formation
OverliesAnzaldo Formation
Thickness500 m (1,600 ft)
Lithology
PrimarySandstone, siltstone
OtherShale
Location
Coordinates [ ⚑ ] : 17°00′S 66°00′W / 17.0°S 66.0°W / -17.0; -66.0
Paleocoordinates [ ⚑ ] 45°36′S 126°36′W / 45.6°S 126.6°W / -45.6; -126.6
RegionCochabamba Department
Country Bolivia
ExtentCordillera Oriental
Type section
Named forCerro San Benito
San Benito Formation, Bolivia is located in Bolivia
San Benito Formation, Bolivia
San Benito Formation, Bolivia
San Benito Formation, Bolivia (Bolivia)

The San Benito Formation is a Katian geologic formation of central Bolivia. The formation belongs to the Cochabamba Group, overlies the Anzaldo Formation and is overlain by the Cancañiri Formation. The 500 metres (1,600 ft) thick formation comprises a succession of shallow water quartzitic sandstones with minor interbeds of dark grey micaceous siltstones. Shelly fossils have been found at few horizons and consist mainly of linguliformean brachiopods, bivalves, and a few homalonotid trilobite remains. Poorly preserved graptolites occur occasionally in the shaly beds.[1]

Fossil content

The formation has provided the following fossils:

  • Desmochitina minor
  • Rafinesquina pseudoloricata
  • Tunariorthis cardocanalis
  • Villosacapsula setosapellicula
  • Ancyrochitina cf. ancyrea
  • Hirnantia cf. transgrediens
  • Rhabdochitina cf. magna
  • Bistramia sp.
  • Ctenodonta sp.
  • Lingula sp.


See also

References

Further reading

  • J. L. Benedetto. 2013. Upper Ordovician Brachiopods from the San Benito Formation, Cordillera del Tunari, Bolivia. Ameghiniana 50(4):418-428
  • R. Suárez Soruco. 1976. El sistema ordovícico en Bolivia. Revista Tecnica YPF Bolivia 5(2):111-123