The eolianites between Sanga do Cabral and Botucatu formations in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil

This paper discusses the facies distribution of Mesozoic eolian sandstones between the Sanga do Cabral and Botucatu formations and also their contact relationships, in São Leopoldo area, State of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), southern Brazil. The main distinctive characteristics regarding these sandstones and formations are the mineralogical composition, paleocurrents and the occurrence of wet interdune deposits. These interdune deposits are characterized by frequent thin mudstone layers with mudcracks, ichnofossils and salt impressions. There are also some features that resemble plant fossils. The distinctive characteristics of these sequences to Sanga do Cabral and Botucatu formations allow us to suggest the informal name of Pedreira Sandstone, considering its type section, the Pedreira Cliff, at Sapucaia do Sul, RS.