Discussion and reply : the Cambrian System in Northwestern Argentina : stratigraphical and palaeontological framework Discussion

As part of the Special Issue on "Advances in the knowledge of the Cambrian System" edited by himself, Aceñolaza (2003) attempted to summarize present knowledge on the Cambrian of northwest Argentina. Althoughhe is congratulated for tackling such a complex topic, wewould like to take advantage of Geologica Acta as aforum for discussion to address some issues that remain unclear and to advance alternative ideas, providing pertinent additional literature. We will discuss these aspects by referring to the three most important stratigraphic units thatinclude Cambrian rocks in northwest Argentina, the Puncoviscana Formation, the Mesón Group and the Santa Rosita Formation. Aspects addressed are tectonic setting, stratigraphic relations, age and depositional environment. Trace fossil data included in the appendix are briefly reviewed