Tacuarembó Formation, Geological formation in Tacuarembó Department, Uruguay
The Tacuarembó Formation extends across northern Uruguay as a sequence of sandstone, siltstone, and mudstone layers. These strata reveal traces of ancient river and lake environments from millions of years ago.
This rock formation developed during the later part of the Jurassic period, ending roughly 155 to 151 million years ago. The slow buildup of sediments over extended time created the structure visible today.
Researchers from different countries study this formation to understand how life evolved during the Jurassic period in South America. The work here contributes to a global understanding of ecosystems from that distant time.
Several excavation sites across this area allow visitors to observe active paleontological research in progress. Access to these locations requires good preparation, as many are situated in remote areas.
Fossils of Meridiosaurus vallisparadisi and Tacuarembemys kusterae, two species found nowhere else on Earth, have been discovered within these rock layers. These discoveries reveal that this location harbored life forms that were unique to this South American region.
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