Los Bastos Formation, Geological formation in Neuquén Basin, Argentina.
Los Bastos Formation is a geological layer sequence in the Neuquén Basin of northern Patagonia, made up of red mudstones with interspersed siltstones and yellowish to greenish grey sandstones. These alternating deposits show how ancient river systems built up the landscape during the Cretaceous period.
The formation developed during the early to middle Coniacian time of the Late Cretaceous, when river systems transported and deposited material into the basin. This sediment sequence records an important chapter in the geological history of the southern hemisphere during this period.
Geologists and paleontologists from Argentina study this formation to understand the evolution of ancient mammals during the Cretaceous period.
The formation sits in the area between Sierra Barrosa and Cerro Senillosa, where natural exposures allow researchers to access the layers. The location calls for geological knowledge to safely observe and collect samples from the exposed sequences.
Paleontologists discovered here fossils of Meridiolestida mammals dating from the Coniacian time, showing how early mammals lived in this region. These finds help scientists understand how mammals evolved during the Cretaceous period.
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