Biostratigraphy and palaeoenvironment of the Agrio Formation (Lower Cretaceous), Mendoza Province, Neuquén Basin, Argentina.

Abstract

 A bioestratigraphical and palaeoenvironmental study of the Agrio Formation, at the Cuesta del Chihuido section, southern Mendoza Province (35º45'S/69º34'W), Argentina, is presented. Thirty seven species of nannofossils, thirty four of foraminifers and six of ostracods have been recognized. Nannofossils association corresponding to Zones CC4A y CC4B indicates an Upper Valanginian-Upper Hauterivian age. At the base of the section, the presence of the benthonic foraminifer Epistomina loncochensis Ballent and radiolaria suggests eutrophic conditions of surface waters and oxygen depressed sea-bottom conditions. In the middle part of the section, diversity of lagenid foraminifers and nannofossils indicates a shelf and nearshore environment with clear and well-oxygenated waters. Abundant polymorphinids, spirillinids and involitinids towards the top of the section corroborate a general regressive tendency. Mudstones and silty-sandstone intercalations containing allochthonous adherent foraminifers and adult carapaces of cytheroid ostracods represent distal storm deposits.