Omingonde Formation

Omingonde Formation
Stratigraphic range: Anisian-Ladinian
~245–238 Ma
Waterberg Plateau in Namibia
TypeGeological formation
Unit ofCynognathus Assemblage Zone
 Karoo Supergroup
Sub-unitsLower, middle, upper
UnderliesEtjo Sandstone
OverliesDamara basement
Thickness600 m (2,000 ft)
Lithology
PrimarySandstone, siltstone
OtherShale, conglomerate
Location
LocationDamaraland
Coordinates21°06′S 16°30′E / 21.1°S 16.5°E / -21.1; 16.5
Approximate paleocoordinates53°36′S 11°42′W / 53.6°S 11.7°W / -53.6; -11.7
RegionErongo & Otjozondjupa Regions
Country Namibia
ExtentWaterberg Basin
Type section
Named forOmingonde water well

Geologic map of Namibia with the Omingonde Formation partly cropping out in the north-central area (orange)

The Omingonde Formation is an Early to Middle Triassic (Anisian to Ladinian) geologic formation, part of the Karoo Supergroup, in the western Otjozondjupa Region and northeastern Erongo Region of north-central Namibia. The formation has a maximum thickness of about 600 metres (2,000 ft) and comprises sandstones, shales, siltstones and conglomerates, was deposited in a fluvial environment, alternating between a meandering and braided river setting.

The Omingonde Formation is correlated with a series of formations in northwestern Argentina and the Paraná Basin in southeastern Brazil, deposited in a larger basinal area, 120 million years before the break-up of Pangea. The formation has provided fossils of several therapsids, amphibians and ichnofossils and belongs to the Cynognathus Assemblage Zone. The Omingonde Formation preserves the most diverse fauna of Middle Triassic cynodonts in the world.