The Itanhaém Formation (Portuguese: Formacão Itanhaém) is a geological formation of the Santos Basin offshore of the Brazilian states of Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Paraná and Santa Catarina. The predominantly shale formation with marls, siltstones and sandstones dates to the Early Cretaceous period; Early Albian epoch and has a maximum thickness of 1,500 metres (4,900 ft). The formation is the reservoir rock of the Tambaú Field in the Santos Basin.

Itanhaém Formation
Stratigraphic range: Early Albian
~113–108 Ma
TypeGeological formation
Unit ofCamburi Group
UnderliesItajaí-Açu Fm., Juréia Fm.
OverliesAriri Formation
Thicknessup to 1,500 m (4,900 ft)
Lithology
PrimaryShale, siltstone, marl
OtherSandstone
Location
Coordinates26°6′S 43°43′W / 26.100°S 43.717°W / -26.100; -43.717
RegionSantos Basin, South Atlantic
Country Brazil
Type section
Named forItanhaém

Location of the Santos Basin

Etymology edit

The formation is named after the town of Itanhaém, São Paulo.

Description edit

The Itanhaém Formation is 517 to 1,500 metres (1,696 to 4,921 ft) thick,[1] and consists of dark grey shales, siltstones and light grey marls, ochre-brown calcisilts and subordinated sandstones. These facies change laterally into the coarse clastics of the Florianópolis Formation. Facies analysis indicates a marine environment ranging from sub-littoral (inner neritic) and more rarely to pelagic (outer bathyal) conditions. The age based on planktonic foraminifera and pollen is Early Albian.[2]

The formation is the reservoir rock of the Tambaú Field in the Santos Basin.[3]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ Kiang Chang et al., 2008, p.32
  2. ^ Clemente, 2013, p.22
  3. ^ Vieira, 2007, p.9

Bibliography edit