Moradi Formation

Moradi Formation
Stratigraphic range: Lopingian
~259–252 Ma
TypeGeological formation
Unit ofIzégouandane Group
Sub-unitsLower, Middle and Upper Units
UnderliesTeloua 1 Formation
OverliesTamamaït Formation
Thickness100 metres (330 ft)
Lithology
PrimaryMudstone, siltstone
OtherSandstone, conglomerate
Location
Coordinates18°48′N 7°12′E / 18.8°N 7.2°E / 18.8; 7.2
Approximate paleocoordinates16°36′S 8°12′E / 16.6°S 8.2°E / -16.6; 8.2
RegionAgadez Region
Country Niger
ExtentIullemmeden Basin
Moradi Formation is located in Niger
Moradi Formation
Moradi Formation (Niger)

The Moradi Formation is a geological formation in Niger. It is of Late Permian age. It is informally divided into three subunits. The lower portion of the formation consists of red mudstone, with muddy calcareous sandstone and quartz-granlule conglomerate present as lenses. The middle portion consists of muddy siltstone in thick beds interbedded with red argillaceous sandstone. The lower two thirds of the upper portion of the formation consist of red siltstone intercalated with channel lag intraformational conglomerates, while the upper third consists of barchanoid shaped lenses of conglomeratic sandstone with ventifacts.[1] These facies are indicatived of deposition under arid conditions, with less than 300 millimetres (12 in) of annual rainfall in the Central Pangean desert, with annual temperatures of 30 to 35 °C (86 to 95 °F), but with ephemeral water presence including lakes.[2]

  1. ^ Smith, Roger M.H.; Sidor, Christian A.; Tabor, Neil J.; Steyer, J. Sébastien (December 2015). "Sedimentology and vertebrate taphonomy of the Moradi Formation of northern Niger: A Permian wet desert in the tropics of Pangaea". Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology. 440: 128–141. Bibcode:2015PPP...440..128S. doi:10.1016/j.palaeo.2015.08.032.
  2. ^ Tabor, Neil J.; Smith, Roger M.H.; Steyer, J. Sébastien; Sidor, Christian A.; Poulsen, Christopher J. (January 2011). "The Permian Moradi Formation of northern Niger: Paleosol morphology, petrography and mineralogy". Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology. 299 (1–2): 200–213. Bibcode:2011PPP...299..200T. doi:10.1016/j.palaeo.2010.11.002.