The Iguape Formation (Portuguese: Formacão Iguape) is a geological formation of the Santos Basin offshore of the Brazilian states of Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Paraná and Santa Catarina. The calcarenite, shale, siltstone, marl and conglomerate formation dates to the Tertiary period and has a maximum thickness of 2,200 metres (7,200 ft).

Iguape Formation
Stratigraphic range: Paleocene-Pliocene
~65–2.6 Ma
TypeGeological formation
Unit ofItamambuca Group
UnderliesSepetiba Formation
OverliesSantos Fm., Itajaí-Açu Fm., Juréia Fm.
Thicknessup to 2,200 m (7,200 ft)
Lithology
PrimaryCalcarenite
OtherShale, marl, siltstone, conglomerate
Location
Coordinates26°6′S 43°43′W / 26.100°S 43.717°W / -26.100; -43.717
RegionSantos Basin, South Atlantic
Country Brazil
Type section
Named forIguape

Location of the Santos Basin

Etymology edit

The formation is named after Iguape, São Paulo.

Description edit

The Iguape Formation is 1,103 to 2,200 metres (3,619 to 7,218 ft) thick,[1] and consists of bioclastic calcarenites and calcirudites, containing bryozoa, echinoids, corals, foraminifera, fragmented shells, and algae remains. They are interbedded with grey-greenish clays, siltstones, marls and variegated grey fine-to-medium grained conglomerates. These facies are interbedded with and change laterally to the Marambaia Formation. The depositional environment is thought to be a marine carbonate platform, influenced by the arrival of alluvial clastics in the most proximal areas. Biostratigraphic data from planktonic foraminifera, calcareous nannofossils and palynomorphs indicate a Tertiary age.[2] Carbonate production rates of the formation have been estimated at 50 to 55 metres (164 to 180 ft) per million years.[3]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ Kiang Chang et al., 2008, p.32
  2. ^ Clemente, 2013, p.24
  3. ^ Contreras, 2011, p.107

Bibliography edit