Cerro Fortaleza Formation

The Cerro Fortaleza Formation, in older literature described as Pari Aike Formation, is a Late Cretaceous geologic formation of Cenomanian[1] (formerly believed to be Maastrichtian) age of the Austral Basin in southern Patagonia, Argentina.

"Pari Aike Formation" redirects here. It is not to be confused with Pali-Aike volcanic field.
Cerro Fortaleza Formation
Stratigraphic range: Cenomanian
TypeGeological formation
UnderliesLa Irene Formation
OverliesAnita Formation
Thickness460 metres (1,510 ft)
Lithology
PrimarySandstone
Location
Coordinates49.9°S 72.1°W / -49.9; -72.1
Approximate paleocoordinates51.9°S 61.8°W / -51.9; -61.8
RegionSanta Cruz Province, southern Patagonia
Country Argentina
ExtentAustral Basin
Cerro Fortaleza Formation (Argentina)

Description

The sandstones of the formation were deposited in a fluvial environment. The formation has an estimated thickness of 460 metres (1,510 ft) and overlies the Anita Formation, while it is overlain by the La Irene Formation.[2] These formations are considered Campanian & Maastrichtian in age, respectively,[2][3] making the Cerro Fortaleza Formation aged between them.

The giant titanosaurs Puertasaurus and Dreadnoughtus, the megaraptoran Orkoraptor, Austrocheirus isasii, and the ornithopod Talenkauen have been recovered from the formation alongside turtles and crocodiles.[4]

See also
  • List of dinosaur-bearing rock formations

References
  1. Varela et al., 2012
  2. Marenssi et al., 2003, p.406
  3. Varela et al., 2012
  4. Novas et al., 2008

Bibliography
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