Mangrullo Formation, Geological formation in northeastern Uruguay.
The Mangrullo Formation is a geological layer in northeastern Uruguay made up of multiple sedimentary rock types including limestone, shale, claystone, and siltstone. The rock sequence reaches a thickness of about 40 meters and exposes rocks from the ancient past.
The formation took shape during the Early Permian period roughly 286 to 273 million years ago, when Uruguay was part of the ancient supercontinent Gondwana. Tropical seas and lagoons covered the region at that time and left behind fossils of the creatures living then.
Research at the Mangrullo Formation contributes to paleontological studies through its extensive collection of preserved mesosaur fossils and ancient marine life.
The site is accessible for scientific study as it holds one of the oldest known fossil sites in South America. Getting there requires planning ahead and guidance, as the location is remote.
The claystone layers preserve an unusual collection of fossils showing soft tissue structures like blood vessels and stomach contents of prehistoric sea creatures. These fine details are rarely kept in rocks from such ancient times.
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