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Jama Formation

Coordinates: 0°12′S 80°18′W / 0.2°S 80.3°W / -0.2; -80.3
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Jama Formation
Stratigraphic range: Pliocene-Early Pleistocene
(Montehermosan-Ensenadan)
~5.3–0.8 Ma
TypeGeological formation
Lithology
PrimaryClaystone, sandstone
Location
Coordinates0°12′S 80°18′W / 0.2°S 80.3°W / -0.2; -80.3
Approximate paleocoordinates0°18′S 79°54′W / 0.3°S 79.9°W / -0.3; -79.9
RegionManabí Province
Country Ecuador
Type section
Named forJama
Jama Formation is located in Ecuador
Jama Formation
Jama Formation (Ecuador)

The Jama Formation is a Pliocene to Early Pleistocene (Montehermosan to Ensenadan in the SALMA classification) geological formation in Ecuador. The claystones and sandstones were deposited in a coastal environment. The age of the Jama Formation is constrained by 40Ar/39Ar dating of tephra beds.[1] The formation is correlated to the Charco Azul Formation of western Panama and southeastern Costa Rica.[2]

Subdivision

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The formation is subdivided in, from top to base:

  • El Matal Member (60 metres (200 ft), fluvial)
  • Punta Ballena Member (lower shoreface)
  • Punta Pasa Borracho Member (20 metres (66 ft), marine)

Fossil content

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The formation has provided bivalve, gastropod and scaphopod fossils.

See also

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References

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Further reading

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  • G. Cantalamessa, C. Di Celma, and L. Ragaini. 2005. Sequence stratigraphy of the Punta Ballena Member of the Jama Formation (Early Pleistocene, Ecuador): insights from integrated sedimentologic, taphonomic and paleoecologic analysis of molluscan shell concentrations. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology 216:1-25
  • H. A. Pilsbry and A.A. Olsson. 1941. A Pliocene fauna from Western Ecuador. Proceedings of the Natural Sciences of Philadelphia 93:1-79