Maitorauhasista

Maitorauhasista, also known as the Maitorauhasista Formation, is a geological formation located in the Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island. It is part of the Canterbury Group, which is a sequence of sedimentary rocks that were deposited during the Cretaceous Period, approximately 100 to 66 million years ago. The Maitorauhasista Formation is primarily composed of sandstone, siltstone, and mudstone, which were deposited in a shallow marine environment.

The formation is notable for its fossil content, which includes a diverse range of marine organisms such as ammonites, bivalves, and fish. These fossils provide valuable insights into the paleoenvironment and the evolution of life during the Cretaceous Period. The Maitorauhasista Formation is also significant for its economic value, as it contains significant reserves of coal, which has been mined in the region for over a century.

The formation is exposed in several locations along the Canterbury coast, including the Maitorau Valley and the Banks Peninsula. It is an important site for geological research and education, as it provides a unique opportunity to study the geological history of the region and the evolution of life in the Cretaceous Period. The Maitorauhasista Formation is also a popular destination for geologists, paleontologists, and rock climbers, who come to explore its diverse landscapes and geological features.