The Otlaltepec Formation is a Middle Jurassic (Bathonian Callovian) geologic formation located in Mexico. The unit is derived from rocks of Late Carboniferous or Early Permian age due to the presence of microscopic zircon crystals dating to around 312-280 Ma found in sandstone deposited within the formation, although the fossil content preserved in the formation dates it to the Middle Jurassic (Bathonian-Callovian).[1] It overlies the Piedra Hueca Formation, which dates to no later than the Sinemurian (Early Jurassic).[1]

Otlaltepec Formation
Stratigraphic range: Middle Jurassic,
Bathonian–Callovian
TypeGeological formation
OverliesPiedra Hueca Formation
ThicknessTypically at least 50 m (160 ft)
Lithology
PrimarySandstone
Location
Coordinates18°24′07″N 97°54′31″W / 18.4019°N 97.9086°W / 18.4019; -97.9086
Country Mexico
ExtentOtlaltepec Basin
Type section
Named forOtlaltepec Basin

Dinosaur remains pertaining to an indeterminate member of the Flagellicaudata, representing the first conclusive evidence of the occurrence of Flagellicaudata in this part of North America, are known from this formation.[2] Brachyphyllum, Platycladium, Podocarpites, and Masculostrobus are identified from the formation.[3]

References

edit
  1. ^ a b Martini, Michelangelo; Ramírez-Calderón, Monica; Solari, Luigi; Villanueva-Amadoz, Uxue; Zepeda-Martínez, Mildred; Ortega-Gutiérrez, Fernando; Elías-Herrera, Mariano (2016). "Provenance analysis of Jurassic sandstones from the Otlaltepec Basin, southern Mexico: Implications for the reconstruction of Pangea breakup". Geosphere. 12 (6): 1842–1864. doi:10.1130/GES01366.1. ISSN 1553-040X.
  2. ^ Héctor E. Rivera-Sylva; Luis Espinosa-Arrubarrena (2020). "Remains of a diplodocid (Sauropoda: Flagellicaudata) from the Otlaltepec Formation Middle Jurassic (Bathonian-Callovian) from Puebla, Mexico". Paleontología Mexicana. 9 (2): 145–150.
  3. ^ Morales-Toledo, J.; Cevallos-Ferriz, S.R.S. (21 July 2023). "Is biodiversity promoted in rift-associated basins? Evidence from Middle Jurassic conifers from the Otlaltepec Formation in Puebla, Mexico". Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology: 104952. doi:10.1016/j.revpalbo.2023.104952.