Cerrejón Formation

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Cerrejón Formation

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Cerrejón Formation, Geological formation in La Guajira Department, Colombia.

The Cerrejón Formation extends across 750 meters of sedimentary layers containing valuable coal deposits and exceptionally preserved fossil records of ancient rainforests.

The formation dates back to the Middle-Late Paleocene period, approximately 60 million years ago, when tropical rainforests covered the coastal plains of northern Colombia.

The formation supplies coal through the Cerrejón mine, providing employment to numerous local residents while affecting the traditions of the Wayuu indigenous communities.

Scientists and researchers require special permits to access the formation's fossil sites, which are located within active mining areas of the Cesar-Ranchería Basin.

The sedimentary layers contain fossils of Titanoboa cerrejonensis, measuring 13 meters in length, representing the largest snake species ever discovered.

Location: La Guajira Department

Part of: Cesar-Ranchería Basin

GPS coordinates: 11.08944,-72.67528

Latest update: March 10, 2025 15:57

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