Sannine Formation
| Sannine Formation | |
|---|---|
| Stratigraphic range: Late Cenomanian ~ | |
Fossil block from Haqel with fishes and a lobster | |
| Type | Geological formation |
| Underlies | Maameltain Formation |
| Overlies | Hammana Formation |
| Thickness | Coastal: >2,000 m (6,600 ft) Mountains: 500–700 m (1,600–2,300 ft) |
| Lithology | |
| Primary | Chalk, limestone |
| Other | Marl |
| Location | |
| Coordinates | 34°06′N 35°42′E / 34.1°N 35.7°E |
| Approximate paleocoordinates | 12°54′N 30°24′E / 12.9°N 30.4°E |
| Region | Jabal Lubnan |
| Country | Lebanon |
| Type section | |
| Named for | Mount Sannine |
The Sannine Formation, also called the Sannine Limestone, is a Cretaceous geologic formation in Lebanon. It is a Konservat-Lagerstätte that contains a high diversity of well-preserved fish, reptiles, and invertebrates from the Tethys Ocean within its three main localities: Haqel (alternatively Hakel or Haqil), Hjoula (alternatively Hadjoula, Hajoula, or Hgula), and Nammoura (alternatively Namoura).
It is one of three major Cretaceous lagerstätte in Lebanon, alongside the older (Barremian-aged) Lebanese amber and the younger (Santonian-aged) Sahel Aalma site. The Sannine Formation localities, combined with Sahel Alma, are together referred to as the "Fish Beds" of Lebanon.