Mishash Formation


The Mishash Formation is a Late Cretaceous geologic formation in Israel. The formation is correlated with the Duwi Formation of Egypt and the Amman and Ruseifa Formations of Jordan. Mosasaur fossils assigned to Prognathodon currii and pterosaur fossils have been recovered from the formation.

Stratigraphy

The lower boundary of the Mishash Formation lies atop the top of the underlying Menuha Formation, while the upper boundary is covered by the overlying Ghareb Formation. The Mishash Formation is divided into two members known as the Chert Member and Phosphate Member, with the latter overlying the former. Massive chert beds comprise the Chert Member, while the Phosphate Member is made up of cherts, phosphorites, porcellanites and organic-rich carbonates. The Phosphate Member is further divided into three units; the Phosphatic Carbonate Unit lies at the bottom of the member, followed by the Porcelanite Unit in the middle, and finally the Phosphorite Unit at the top.

Fossil content

Reptiles

Bony fish

Cartilaginous fish