Macarao Formation

The Macarao Formation (Spanish: Formación Macarao, E2m) is a geological formation of the Cocinetas Basin in the northernmost Colombian department of La Guajira. The formation consists of foraminifera-rich fine to medium grained calcareous sandstones intercalated with calcareous siltstones, cross-cut by veins of gypsum. The 253 metres (830 ft) thick Macarao Formation dates to the Paleogene period; Middle to Late Eocene epoch, corresponding to the Divisaderan in the South American land mammal ages (SALMA).

Macarao Formation
Stratigraphic range: Mid-Late Eocene
~
TypeGeological formation
Unit ofCocinetas Basin
UnderliesCastilletes Fm., Siamaná Fm.
OverliesGuaralamai Fm.
Jarara Schist (basement)
Thickness253 m (830 ft)
Lithology
PrimaryCalcareous sandstone
OtherSiltstone, gypsum
Location
Coordinates11°50′00″N 71°24′46″W
RegionLa Guajira
 Caribbean region
Country Colombia
Type section
Named byRollins
LocationUribia
Year defined1965
Coordinates11°50′00″N 71°24′46″W
RegionLa Guajira
Country Colombia
Macarao Formation is located in La Guajira Department
Macarao Formation

Type locality of the formation in La Guajira

Definition

The formation was defined by Rollins in 1965.[1]

Description

Lithologies

The Macarao Formation consists of foraminifera-rich fine to medium grained calcareous sandstones intercalated with calcareous siltstones, cross-cut by veins of gypsum.[2]

Stratigraphy and depositional environment

The Macarao Formation has a maximum thickness of 253 metres (830 ft) and overlies the Cretaceous Guaramalai Formation and the basement (Jarara Schist) and is overlain by the Siamaná and Castilletes Formations with a high angle unconformity. The age has been estimated to be Middle to Late Eocene, corresponding to the Divisaderan in the South American land mammal ages (SALMA). The formation has been deposited in a shallow marine bay environment.[3]

Petroleum geology

The Macarao Formation is a reservoir rock formation in the Guajira Basin.[4]

See also

Geology of the Eastern Hills
Cesar-Ranchería Basin
Bogotá Formation
Chota, Loreto, Regadera, Soncco, Usme Formations

References

  1. Moreno et al., 2015, p.7
  2. Plancha 10bis, 2008
  3. Rodríguez & Londoño, 2002, p.128
  4. ANH, 2010

Bibliography

Maps

  • Zuluaga, Carlos A.; Alberto Ochoa; Carlos A. Muñoz; Camilo E. Dorado; Nathalia M. Guerrero; Ana M. Martínez; Paula A. Medina; Edgar F. Ocampo, and Alejandro Pinilla and Paula A. Ríos, Bibiana P. Rodríguez, Edward A. Salazar, Vladimir L. Zapata. 2008. Plancha 3 - Puerto Estrella - 1:100,000, 1. INGEOMINAS. Accessed 2017-06-06.
  • Zuluaga, Carlos A.; Alberto Ochoa; Carlos A. Muñoz; Camilo E. Dorado; Nathalia M. Guerrero; Ana M. Martínez; Paula A. Medina; Edgar F. Ocampo, and Alejandro Pinilla and Paula A. Ríos, Bibiana P. Rodríguez, Edward A. Salazar, Vladimir L. Zapata. 2008. Plancha 5 - Bahía Portete - 1:100,000, 1. INGEOMINAS. Accessed 2017-06-06.
  • Zuluaga, Carlos A.; Alberto Ochoa; Carlos A. Muñoz; Camilo E. Dorado; Nathalia M. Guerrero; Ana M. Martínez; Paula A. Medina; Edgar F. Ocampo, and Alejandro Pinilla and Paula A. Ríos, Bibiana P. Rodríguez, Edward A. Salazar, Vladimir L. Zapata. 2008. Plancha 10 - Rancho Grande - 1:100,000, 1. INGEOMINAS. Accessed 2017-06-06.
  • Zuluaga, Carlos A.; Alberto Ochoa; Carlos A. Muñoz; Camilo E. Dorado; Nathalia M. Guerrero; Ana M. Martínez; Paula A. Medina; Edgar F. Ocampo, and Alejandro Pinilla and Paula A. Ríos, Bibiana P. Rodríguez, Edward A. Salazar, Vladimir L. Zapata. 2008. Plancha 10bis - Rancho Grande - 1:100,000, 1. INGEOMINAS. Accessed 2017-06-06.
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