Irati Formation, Geological formation in southeastern Brazil.
The Irati Formation is a geological layer in southeastern Brazil that stretches across more than 1,700 kilometers from São Paulo to the border between Brazil and Uruguay. It consists of dark shales, sandstone, and limestone deposits distributed across several states.
The formation developed during the Early Permian period approximately 278 million years ago and marks the transition from marine influence of the Pantalassa ocean to continental deposition. This layer shaped the geological history of the southern Gondwana landmass.
The formation contributed to Alfred Wegener's continental drift theory through the discovery of Mesosaurus fossils, connecting South America to southern Africa.
The formation itself has little tourist infrastructure since the layers lie beneath the surface and are only visible where exposed at certain locations. A visit typically requires specialized knowledge or guided geological excursions with experts.
The layer contains fossilized remains of Mesosaurus, a freshwater reptile whose bones appear in both South America and Africa, providing evidence of the continents being joined long ago. This discovery supported the theory of continental movement.
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