A high resolution stratigraphic framework for the remarkable fossil cetacean assemblage of the Miocene/Pliocene Pisco Formation, Peru

Leonard Brand, Mario Urbina, Arthur Chadwick, Thomas J. DeVries, Raul Esperante

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

50 Scopus citations

Abstract

The Miocene/Pliocene Pisco Formation of Peru contains a rich marine vertebrate fossil record, providing a unique opportunity for the study of paleoecology and evolution, along with the sedimentological context of the fossils. The lack of a high-resolution stratigraphic framework has hampered such study. In this paper we develop the needed stratigraphy for the areas in the Pisco Formation where most of the vertebrate paleontological research is occurring. In the Ica Valley and in the vicinity of Lomas, series of lithologically or paleontologically unique marker beds were identified. These were walked out and documented with GPS technology. Measured sections connecting these marker beds provide a stratigraphic framework for the areas studied. GPS locations, maps of the marker beds on aerial photographs, and outcrop photographs allow field determination of the stratigraphic positions of study areas.
Original languageAmerican English
Pages (from-to)414-425
Number of pages12
JournalJournal of South American Earth Sciences
Volume31
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Apr 2011

Keywords

  • Miocene
  • Peru
  • Pisco
  • Pliocene
  • Stratigraphy

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