Uitpa Formation

Uitpa Formation
Stratigraphic range: Aquitanian-Burdigalian ~
Type	Geological formation
Unit of	Cocinetas Basin
Underlies	Jimol Formation
Overlies	Siamaná Formation
Thickness	up to 230 m (750 ft)
Lithology
Primary	Mudstone
Other	Sandstone
Location
Coordinates
Region	La Guajira  Caribbean region
Country	Colombia
Type section
Named for	Uitpa
Named by	Renz
Location	Uribia
Year defined	1960
Coordinates
Region	La Guajira
Country	Colombia
Uitpa Formation is located in La Guajira Department Uitpa Formation Type locality of the formation in La Guajira

The Uitpa Formation (Spanish: Formación Uitpa, E3u) is a fossiliferous geological formation of the Cocinetas Basin in the northernmost department of La Guajira. The formation consists of calcareous mudstones interbedded with lithic sandstones. The Uitpa Formation dates to the Neogene period; Aquitanian to Burdigalian stages, corresponding to the Colhuehuapian in the SALMA classification, and has a maximum thickness of 230 metres (750 ft).

Etymology

The formation was defined by Renz in 1960 and named after Uitpa.

Description

Lithologies

The Uitpa Formation consists of calcareous mudstones interbedded with lithic sandstones.

Stratigraphy and depositional environment

The Uitpa Formation overlies the Siamaná Formation and is overlain by the Jimol Formation. The age has been estimated to be Early Miocene, corresponding to the Colhuehuapian in the SALMA classification. The formation has been deposited in an open to deep marine environment.

Petroleum geology

The Uitpa Formation is a reservoir and seal rock formation in the Guajira Basin.

See also

File:Cscr-candidate.svg Geology of the Eastern Hills

File:GA candidate.svg Cesar-Ranchería Basin

File:GA candidate.svg Honda Group

File:Symbol start class.svg Abanico Formation