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Nubian Sandstone Formation
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Nubian Sandstone Fm base reconstruction

Nubian Sandstone Fm

Period: 
Cretaceous

Age Interval: 
Valanginian – Albian, Lb (2,3), Eg2


Province: 
Libya, Egypt general

Type Locality and Naming

Column: Fezzan Basin, Column: Cyrenaica Basin, Column: Egypt general

Synonym: Sarir, Calanscio


Lithology and Thickness

In Libya, Fluvial and lacustrine sandstones, ranging from very fine to coarse-grained; poorly sorted and often in a clay matrix. Basal conglomerate present in most places. Cross-bedding and ripple marks are common.

In Egypt, Widely distributed quartzose sandstone, progressively becomes younger to the South. Associated volcanic rocks. Base of unit marked by shales, marls, variegated sandstones and limestones which extend widely across Sinai and the Northern Eastern desert. Weathers brown.


Lithology Pattern: 
Coarse-grained sandstone


Relationships and Distribution

Lower contact

Regionally, the schematic strat column indicates the next older unit as Taouratine Fm. In Cyrenaica Basin, it is Continental Post-Tassilian Gr. In Egypt general, it is Lower Clastic Division Gr (Risan Aneiza Fm)

Upper contact

Regionally, the schematic strat column indicates this is the youngest unit. In Cyrenaica Basin, it is Gerdes Al Abid Limestone Fm. In Egypt general, it is Dakhla Fm (Middle Calcareous Division Gr)

Regional extent


GeoJSON

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Fossils

Unfossiliferous.


Age 

Valanginian – Albian

Age Span: 

    Beginning stage: 
Valanginian

    Fraction up in beginning stage: 
0.0

    Beginning date (Ma): 
137.70

    Ending stage: 
Albian

    Fraction up in the ending stage: 
1.0

    Ending date (Ma):  
100.50

Depositional setting

Fluvial and lacustrine environment


Depositional pattern:  


Additional Information


Compiler:  

Chart derived from: USGS Correlation Chart and Columnar Section for Rocks in Libya, 1963. Descriptions from: Hallet, Don: Petroleum Geology of Libya, 2002.