Paleontological site of Cerin
| Paleontological site of Cerin | |
|---|---|
| Stratigraphic range: Late Kimmeridgian ~ | |
Cast of Crocodilaemus robustus from the paleontological site of Serin, showcased in the Museum of Natural Sciences of Belgium. | |
| Type | Formation |
| Lithology | |
| Primary | Lithographic limestone |
| Location | |
| Coordinates | 45°46′44″N 05°33′15″E / 45.77889°N 5.55417°E |
| Region | Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes |
| Country | France |
| Type section | |
| Named for | Cerin |
| Year defined | 1838 |
The paleontological site of Cerin is a fossil deposit of the Jura Mountains located in Cerin, a hamlet belonging to the commune of Marchamp in the department of Ain. The site is internationally known for its surprising diversity.
The deposits are located in what was a tropical lagoon at the end of the Kimmeridgian age (Late Jurassic). It is dated from the Aulacostephanus pseudomutabilis biozone, whose equivalent in the Mediterranean area is the Aulacostephanus eudoxus biozone, who dates back to 153 Ma.