La Boca Formation | |
---|---|
Stratigraphic range: Lower Pliensbachian-Latest Aalenian, [1][2] | |
Type | Geological formation |
Unit of | Huizachal Group |
Sub-units |
|
Underlies | La Joya Formation |
Overlies | Huizachal Formation |
Thickness | <10 m |
Lithology | |
Primary | Red sandstones, mudstones, and siltstones |
Other | Pyroclastic volcanic rocks |
Location | |
Region | Tamaulipas |
Country | Mexico |
The La Boca Formation is a geological formation in Tamaulipas state, northeast Mexico. It was originally thought to date back to the Early Jurassic, concretely the Pliensbachian stage epoch of 193-184 Ma.[3] Later studies found that while the unit itself was likely deposited during the earliest Pliensbachian, as proven by zircon dating 189.0 ± 0.2 Ma, the local vulcanism (related to the aperture of the Atlantic Ocean and the several Rift Events) continued until the Bajocian.
However, the lower section of the fossil taxa deposited on the rocks above the La Boca Formation is likely of Late Pliensbachian-Lower Toarcian age, and the upper section of Late Toarcian-Late Aalenian age.[4]
Due to successions of Aalenian depositional systems on the upper layers of the Huizachal Canyon, has been delimited the formation to the Toarcian stage, being the regional equivalent of the Moroccan Azilal Formation.[2] Deposits of Late Triassic Age referred to this unit have been reclassified in a new formation, El Alamar Formation.[5] In North America, La Boca Formation was found to be a regional equivalent of the Eagle Mills redbeds of southern United States, the Todos Santos Formation of southern Mexico and the Barracas Group of the Sonora desert region.[6]