Abstract

The Limón Sur basin has been relatively well studied given its economic importance, its dimensions and special characteristics. However, further research is required to determine the stratigraphy and tectonic evolution of this region. This work summarizes available studies covering the Cretaceous and Paleogene, excluding Neogene for future publications. The sequence of over 6,000 m begins with rocks originated in a deep marine environment -the Changuinola Formation- of late Cretaceous age which has not yet been identified in Costa Rican territory, followed by the Río Lari Formation Cretaceous? - Paleocene, also formed in a slope marine environment or deeper. The Tuis Formation of the Upper Eocene-Lower Oligocene corresponds with turbidite deposits formed in a marine slope environment. From this point, limestone units were deposited in a neritic environment, such as the limestones of the Eocene Fila de Cal Formation, the calcilutites and siltstones of Senosri Formation and the limestones of the Punta Pelada Formation of Oligocene age. This sequence is covered by lutites, sandstones and conglomerates from the younger Miocene and Pliocene formations, such as Uscari, Río Banano, Limón and Suretka.

Keywords: Cretaceous-Paleogene; Geologic Section; Southeast of Costa Rica; Petroleum; Stratigraph; Northwest of Panama.