Lautaro Formation
| Lautaro Formation | |
|---|---|
| Stratigraphic range: Toarcian–Aalenian, ~ | |
Strata of the Lautaro Formation outcropping at the Tranque Lautaro | |
| Type | Geological formation |
| Underlies | Quebrada Monardes Formation |
| Overlies | La Ternera Formation |
| Thickness | ~2,600 m (8,500 ft) |
| Lithology | |
| Primary | Limestone |
| Other | Sandstone |
| Location | |
| Region | Atacama Region |
| Country | Chile |
| Extent | Lautaro Basin |
| Type section | |
| Named for | Lautaro |
The Lautaro Formation is sedimentary and fossiliferous geological formation that largely crops out near Copiapó (Atacama Region), Chile. It is dated back to the Jurassic period (Toarcian through Aalenian stages). The lithology of the formation comprises limestone and sandstone, formed in marine settings. The Lautaro Formation preserves a marine fossil record, representing molluscs (bivalves, gastropods) and marine reptiles (metriorhynchids).
The strata of the Lautaro Formation and its basin of deposition (the Lautaro Basin) have been subject to intense tectonic movement during the Mesozoic, producing large-scale stratigraphic discontinuity and tectonic inversion.