Maevarano Formation | |
---|---|
Stratigraphic range: Maastrichtian ~ | |
Type | Geological formation |
Sub-units | Masorobe, Anembalemba & Miadana Members |
Underlies | Berivotra Formation |
Overlies | Marovoay Beds |
Thickness | >105 m (344 ft) |
Lithology | |
Primary | Sandstone |
Other | Claystone, siltstone |
Location | |
Coordinates | 15°54′S 46°36′E / 15.9°S 46.6°E |
Approximate paleocoordinates | 30°06′S 38°24′E / 30.1°S 38.4°E |
Region | Mahajanga Province |
Country | Madagascar |
Extent | Mahajanga Basin |
Type section | |
Named for | Maevarano River |
Named by | Salètes |
Year defined | 1895 |
The Maevarano Formation is a Late Cretaceous sedimentary rock formation found in the Mahajanga Province of northwestern Madagascar. It is most likely Maastrichtian in age,[1] and records a seasonal, semiarid environment with rivers that had greatly varying discharges. Notable animal fossils recovered include the theropod dinosaur Majungasaurus, the early bird Vorona, the paravian Rahonavis, the titanosaurian sauropod Rapetosaurus, and the giant frog Beelzebufo.