Molteno Formation

Molteno Formation
Stratigraphic range: Carnian
~237–228 Ma
Molteno Dam outside the town Molteno, Eastern Cape, South Africa
TypeGeological formation
Unit ofStormberg Group
Sub-unitsBamboesberg Member, Indwe Sandstone member, Mayaputi Member, Qiba Member and Tsomo Member
UnderliesElliot Formation
OverliesBeaufort Group
Thicknessup to 600 m (2,000 ft)
Lithology
PrimarySandstone, claystone
OtherMudstone, siltstone
Location
Coordinates31°23′46″S 26°21′47″E / 31.39611°S 26.36306°E / -31.39611; 26.36306
RegionEastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal & Free State
Country South Africa
 Lesotho
Type section
Named forMolteno, Eastern Cape
Molteno Formation is located in South Africa
Molteno Formation
Molteno Formation
Molteno Formation (South Africa)

The Molteno Formation is a geological formation found in several localities in Lesotho and South Africa. It lies mainly south of Maseru, near Burgersdorp, Aliwal North, Dordrecht, Molteno, and Elliot. It extends as far north as Matatiele in the Eastern Cape. The formation's localities lie along the Drakensberg Mountains in Kwazulu-Natal, and near Ladybrand in the Free State of South Africa. The Molteno Formation is the lowermost of the three formations in the Stormberg Group of the greater Karoo Supergroup. The Molteno Formation represents the initial phase of preserved sedimentation of the Stormberg Group.[1][2]

  1. ^ Br, Turner (2016-09-22). "The stratigraphy and sedimentary history of the Molteno formation in the main Karroo basin of South Africa and Lesotho". {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  2. ^ Bordy, Emese M.; John Hancox, P.; Rubidge, Bruce S. (2004-03-01). "Fluvial style variations in the Late Triassic–Early Jurassic Elliot formation, main Karoo Basin, South Africa". Journal of African Earth Sciences. 38 (4): 383–400. Bibcode:2004JAfES..38..383B. doi:10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2004.02.004. ISSN 1464-343X.