Huincul Formation, Geological formation in Mendoza Province, Argentina
The Huincul Formation is a geological sequence in Mendoza Province made up of green and yellow sandstones. The layers reach roughly 250 meters thick and clearly show how sediment accumulated during the Late Cretaceous period.
Scientists first documented this formation in 1929 near Plaza Huincul as part of the Río Limay Subgroup. The deposits formed roughly 97 to 93 million years ago and have been studied continuously since then.
The formation takes its name from the nearby town of Plaza Huincul and is known locally as a significant fossil site. Researchers from around the world come here to study the preserved remains found within its rock layers.
The formation sits in an accessible region where you can examine the sedimentary layers up close. When visiting, wear sturdy shoes for climbing on the rock formations and bring water for the arid climate.
The layers preserved remains of Argentinosaurus huinculensis, one of the largest land animals that ever lived. Beyond dinosaur bones, the formation also contains fossilized footprints that show how these creatures actually walked.
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