Coordinates: 44°15′32.8″S 176°14′57.1″W / 44.259111°S 176.249194°W / -44.259111; -176.249194

Tupuangi Formation

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Tupuangi Formation
Stratigraphic range: Cenomanian-Turonian
~99–89 Ma
File:Tupuangi Formation.png
Tupuangi Formation at Waihere bay, Pitt Island
TypeGeological formation
Unit ofWaihere Bay Group
Sub-unitsKokowai Allomember, Waihere Allomember, Morgan's Hollow Allomember
UnderliesKahuitara Tuff
OverliesUnseen
ThicknessNot bounded, 430 m (1,410 ft) exposed onshore, possibly 700 m (2,300 ft) offshore
Lithology
PrimarySandstone, siltstone
OtherConglomerate
Location
RegionOceania
CountryNew Zealand
ExtentPitt Island, Chatham Islands
Type section
Named forTupuangi, Pitt Island
LocationNorthern end of Waihere Bay
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Approximate paleocoordinatesLua error: callParserFunction: function "#coordinates" was not found.
Thickness at type section~400 m (1,300 ft)

The Tupuangi Formation is a geological formation in New Zealand, only exposed on Pitt Island in the Chatham Islands. It is the oldest exposed sedimentary unit within the archipelago. It was deposited in terrestrial deltaic to paralic conditions during the Cenomanian to Turonian ages of the Late Cretaceous. During this time period the Chatham Islands were attached to Antarctica within the Antarctic Circle, at approximately 70° to 80° south.

Description

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The lithology consists of a basal conglomerate, which grades into sandstone and carbonaceous siltstone in the upper part of the formation.[1] The formation is notable for its fossil content, including many varieties of plant, including abundant conifers, including members of Araucariaceae, Podocarpaceae, Cupressaceae, Cheirolepidiaceae, as well as Ginkgo and Ginkgoites.[2][3][4] Other flora includes mosses, ferns, liverworts and lycopodians.[5] Compression fossils of insects have been found including members of Carabidae and Buprestidae,[6] and acritarch Introvertocystis.[7] Amber is also known from the deposit[8] associated with the conifer Protodammara reimatamoriori, a member of Cupressaceae.[9]

See also

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References

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