Pebas Formation

Pebas Formation
Stratigraphic range: Early Aquitanian-Tortonian
(Colhuehuapian-Huayquerian)
~21–8 Ma
The Pebas Mega-Wetland (or Lake Pebas), on the western side of this map, corresponds to the Pebas Formation
UnderliesMarañón Formation
OverliesChambira Formation
Area1,000,000 km2 (390,000 sq mi)
Thickness~350–1,074 m (1,148–3,524 ft)
Lithology
PrimarySiltstone, mudstone
OtherCoal/lignite
Location
Coordinates7°24′S 75°00′W / 7.4°S 75.0°W / -7.4; -75.0
Approximate paleocoordinates8°24′S 70°36′W / 8.4°S 70.6°W / -8.4; -70.6
RegionAmazon Basin
Country Brazil
 Colombia
 Ecuador
 Peru
Type section
Named forPebas District

The Pebas Formation is a lithostratigraphic unit of Miocene age, found in western Amazonia. The formation extends over 1,000,000 square kilometres (390,000 sq mi), including parts of Brazil, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia.[1] It is interpreted as representing the deposits of a lake ("Lake Pebas") or series of lakes, formed within the foreland basin of the Andes mountain belt. It is known for its abundant fossil ostracods and molluscs and an unusually diverse group of crocodylians.[2]

  1. ^ Wesselingh et al., 2006
  2. ^ Sala Gismondi et al., 2006