MASPARRO, Formation

See RIO MASPARRO, Formation.

RIO MASPARRO, Formation

TRIASSIC

State of Barinas, Venezuela

Author of name: A. N. Mackenzie, 1937.

Original reference: A. N. Mackenzie, 1937, p. 260.

Original description: ibid.

The Río Masparro formation as defined by Mackenzie (1937, p. 260) crops out along the Río Masparro at the northeast end of the Cerro Azul uplift in the northeastern part of the State of Barinas. Mackenzie stated that the formation consists of a series of fine to coarse-grained sandstones and angular conglomerates. Bedding is very distinct but, due to faulting and disturbances associated with it, an accurate measurement of the thickness as impossible, according to Mackenzie. The writer measured 315 meters of the formation at its type locality.

Mackenzie further stated that the colors are white, limonitic-yellow to red, with a dull brick-red color predominating. He also stated that the beds are apparently non-fossiliferous. Liddle (1946, p. 141-163) stated that the Río Masparro formation is equivalent to the La Quinta "series", believed by Liddle to be Triassic and/or Jurassic in age. Sutton (1946, p. 1638-39) suggested a possible further restriction of the age of the La Quinta formation to the upper Triassic which would also apply to the Río Masparro formation.

H. Alberding