Camadas de Alcobaça, Geological formation near Alcobaça, Portugal
Camadas de Alcobaça is a geological formation in central Portugal composed of multiple layers including marl, mudstone, coal, siltstone, limestone, and sandstone. These layers spread across the Lusitanian Basin in the Estremadura, Leiria, and Lisboa regions.
The formation originated during the Kimmeridgian stage of the Late Jurassic period, roughly 156 to 152 million years ago. Scientists first documented these layers in 1885 and recognized their importance for understanding Jurassic ecosystems.
Researchers and paleontologists regularly visit this site to study fossils from the Jurassic period and learn about ancient life forms. The location holds importance for scientific work, offering insights into ecosystems from that distant time.
The site is located in a region accessible for field studies, though it functions as a scientific research area. Visitors should work with local guides or institutions to access the site and properly examine the geological layers.
The formation contains fossil remains of sharks, bony fish, amphibians, pterosaurs, turtles, and various mammalian species from the Jurassic period. This variety of prehistoric creatures makes the area valuable for reconstructing ancient ecosystems.
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