The Adaffa Formation is a
Geological formation in
Saudi Arabia, and the lowermost unit of the
Suqah Group. It dates back to the
Campanian of the
Late Cretaceous. The lithology consists of
sandstone,
siltstone
Siltstone, also known as aleurolite, is a clastic sedimentary rock that is composed mostly of silt. It is a form of mudrock with a low clay mineral content, which can be distinguished from shale by its lack of fissility.Blatt ''et al.'' 1980, p ...
and
marl
Marl is an earthy material rich in carbonate minerals, clays, and silt. When hardened into rock, this becomes marlstone. It is formed in marine or freshwater environments, often through the activities of algae.
Marl makes up the lower part o ...
, with a basal
granitic conglomerate
Conglomerate or conglomeration may refer to:
* Conglomerate (company)
* Conglomerate (geology)
* Conglomerate (mathematics)
In popular culture:
* The Conglomerate (American group), a production crew and musical group founded by Busta Rhymes
** Co ...
with
phosphatic nodules. Also present are
ferricrete horizons. It was deposited in marginal marine conditions close to land. Fish, marine reptile and dinosaur
remains have been recovered from the formation.
Vertebrate paleofauna
Fish
Crocodyliformes
Plesiosaurians
Squamates
Turtles
Non-avian Dinosaurs
References
{{reflist
Geology of Saudi Arabia
Upper Cretaceous Series of Asia
Campanian Stage
Sandstone formations
Siltstone formations
Marl formations
Conglomerate formations
Paleontology in Saudi Arabia