Biostratigraphy and depositional history of the tepetate formation at Arroyo Colorado (Early-Middle Eocene), Baja California Sur, Mexico

An integrated study of Foraminifera, Ostracoda and lithostratigraphy was conducted on samples of the Tepetate Formation from the Arroyo Colorado locality, Baja California Sur (Mexico). Based on the planktonic Foraminifera, Acarinina pentacamerata (latest lower Eocene) and Hantkenina nuttalli (earlie...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Ciencias Marinas
Main Authors: AL Carreño, J Ledesma-Vázquez, R Guerrero-Arenas
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Spanish
Published: Universidad Autónoma de Baja California 2000
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.7773/cm.v26i1.565
https://doaj.org/article/2a0117c281654d32a70cc333c6366c30
Description
Summary:An integrated study of Foraminifera, Ostracoda and lithostratigraphy was conducted on samples of the Tepetate Formation from the Arroyo Colorado locality, Baja California Sur (Mexico). Based on the planktonic Foraminifera, Acarinina pentacamerata (latest lower Eocene) and Hantkenina nuttalli (earliest middle Eocene) zones were recognized that indicate an age range from 51.2 to 48.4 Ma. Benthic Foraminifera suggest correlation with the Penutian to Narizian California stages, which agrees with the planktonic foraminiferal biozones. The sedimentary structures and microfossils throughout the sequence indicate deposition within a transgressive-regressive-transgressive cycle, including environments from the inner to outer marine shelf in depths shallower than 150 m. Gravity flows dominate the sequence, and storm-deposited beds are present in the middle of the section. Considering the nature of this formational unit, we recommend the designation of a composite stratotype, according to the North American Stratigraphic Code.