Macarao Formation

The Macarao Formation (Formación Macarao, E2m) is a geological formation of the Cocinetas Basin in the northernmost Colombian department of La Guajira. The formation consists of foraminifera-rich fine to medium grained calcareous sandstones intercalated with calcareous siltstones, cross-cut by veins of gypsum. The 253 m thick Macarao Formation dates to the Paleogene period; Middle to Late Eocene epoch, corresponding to the Divisaderan in the South American land mammal ages (SALMA).

Definition
The formation was defined by Rollins in 1965.

Lithologies
The Macarao Formation consists of foraminifera-rich fine to medium grained calcareous sandstones intercalated with calcareous siltstones, cross-cut by veins of gypsum.

Stratigraphy and depositional environment
The Macarao Formation has a maximum thickness of 253 m and overlies the Cretaceous Guaramalai Formation and the basement (Jarara Schist) and is overlain by the Siamaná and Castilletes Formations with a high angle unconformity. The age has been estimated to be Middle to Late Eocene, corresponding to the Divisaderan in the South American land mammal ages (SALMA). The formation has been deposited in a shallow marine bay environment.

Petroleum geology
The Macarao Formation is a reservoir rock formation in the Guajira Basin.