Corda Formation | |
---|---|
Stratigraphic range: Late Aptian-Early Albian ~115–110 Ma ↓ | |
Type | Geological formation |
Underlies | Sardinha Formation |
Overlies | Itapecuru Formation |
Lithology | |
Primary | Red sandstone |
Location | |
Coordinates | 5°42′S 47°30′W / 5.7°S 47.5°W / -5.7; -47.5 |
Approximate paleocoordinates | 5°06′S 14°48′W / 5.1°S 14.8°W / -5.1; -14.8 |
Region | Tocantins |
Country | ![]() |
Extent | Parnaíba Basin |
Type section | |
Named for | Corda River |
Corda Formation (Brazil) |
The Corda Formation is a red sandstone geologic formation in the Parnaíba BasininTocantins, Brazil. It was formed during the Neoaptian to Eoalbian series of the Early Cretaceous.
Large-scale fossil sauropod tracks have been reported from the formation.[1][2][3][4]
The Corda Formation is characterized by reddish sandstones, that were probably deposited in windy deserts and fast flowing freshwater streams. Therefore, fossils are very rare.[1]
This formation outcrops in the central part of the Parnaíba Basin, between the mouth of the Araguaia River in the west the Parnaíba River in the east.[1]
The Corda Formation consists largely of red sandstone, with very fine to medium grain size, rich in zeolites and iron oxide. Where whinstones[clarification needed] are overlaying fragments of this rock are also present. Typical structures of wind dunes (cross bedding, ripples, and grain flow) are common. This is consistent with deposition in a desert system.[1]