The Cerro Barcino Formation (also known as the Gorro Frigio Formation) is a geological formation in South America whose strata span the mid-late Cretaceous period. Dinosaur remains are among the fossils that have been recovered from the formation.
The Cerro Barcino Formation is the upper unit of the Chubut Group, which also includes the older Los Adobes Formation. Both formations cover a vast area in Chubut Province, Argentina. The two formations are distinguished by geological features suggesting a distinct change in climate, from a wetter, flood plain environment in the Los Adobes to a much more arid, desert-like environment in the Cerro Barcino.
The Cerro Barcino Formation is subdivided into several subunits ("members"). From oldest to youngest:
- La Paloma
- Characterized by arid plains interspersed with sand dunes
- Cerro Castaño
- A return to more humid, flood-plain conditions
- Las Plumas
- Bayo Overo
- Puesto Manuel Arce
The final three members are likely Albian to Campanian in age (112 to 83 million years ago), while the La Paloma may date to the latest Hauterivian (130ma).
Read more about Cerro Barcino Formation: Fauna, See Also, References
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