Uitpa Formation

Uitpa Formation
Stratigraphic range: Aquitanian-Burdigalian
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TypeGeological formation
Unit ofCocinetas Basin
UnderliesJimol Formation
OverliesSiamaná Formation
Thicknessup to 230 m (750 ft)
Lithology
PrimaryMudstone
OtherSandstone
Location
Coordinates11°58′00″N 71°22′43″W / 11.96667°N 71.37861°W / 11.96667; -71.37861
RegionLa Guajira
 Caribbean region
CountryColombia
Type section
Named forUitpa
Named byRenz
LocationUribia
Year defined1960
Coordinates11°58′00″N 71°22′43″W / 11.96667°N 71.37861°W / 11.96667; -71.37861
RegionLa Guajira
CountryColombia

Type locality of the formation in La Guajira

The Uitpa Formation (Spanish: Formación Uitpa, E3u) is a fossiliferous geological formation of the Cocinetas Basin in the northernmost department of La Guajira. The formation consists of calcareous mudstones interbedded with lithic sandstones. The Uitpa Formation dates to the Neogene period; Aquitanian to Burdigalian stages, corresponding to the Colhuehuapian in the SALMA classification, and has a maximum thickness of 230 metres (750 ft).