Uitpa Formation

The Uitpa Formation (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 m.

Etymology
The formation was defined by Renz in 1960 and named after Uitpa.

Lithologies
The Uitpa Formation consists of calcareous mudstones interbedded with lithic sandstones.

Stratigraphy and depositional environment
The Uitpa Formation overlies the Siamaná Formation and is overlain by the Jimol Formation. The age has been estimated to be Early Miocene, corresponding to the Colhuehuapian in the SALMA classification. The formation has been deposited in an open to deep marine environment.

Petroleum geology
The Uitpa Formation is a reservoir and seal rock formation in the Guajira Basin.