Sannine Formation

Sannine Formation
Stratigraphic range: Late Cenomanian
~95–93.5 Ma
Fossil block from Haqel with fishes and a lobster
TypeGeological formation
UnderliesMaameltain Formation
OverliesHammana Formation
ThicknessCoastal: >2,000 m (6,600 ft)
Mountains: 500–700 m (1,600–2,300 ft)
Lithology
PrimaryChalk, limestone
OtherMarl
Location
Coordinates34°06′N 35°42′E / 34.1°N 35.7°E / 34.1; 35.7
Approximate paleocoordinates12°54′N 30°24′E / 12.9°N 30.4°E / 12.9; 30.4
RegionJabal Lubnan
Country Lebanon
Type section
Named forMount Sannine
Sannine Formation is located in Lebanon
Sannine Formation
Sannine Formation (Lebanon)

The Sannine Formation, also called the Sannine Limestone, is a Cretaceous geologic formation in Lebanon. It is a Konservat-Lagerstätte that contains a high diversity of well-preserved fish, reptiles, and invertebrates from the Tethys Ocean within its three main localities: Haqel (alternatively Hakel or Haqil), Hjoula (alternatively Hadjoula, Hajoula, or Hgula), and Nammoura (alternatively Namoura).[1]

It is one of three major Cretaceous lagerstätte in Lebanon, alongside the older (Barremian-aged) Lebanese amber and the younger (Santonian-aged) Sahel Aalma site. The Sannine Formation localities, combined with Sahel Alma, are together referred to as the "Fish Beds" of Lebanon.[1]

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