A shallow-water depositional interpretation for the upper Miocene Chagres Formation (Caribbean coast of Panama)

The upper Miocene Chagres Formation, cropping out along the Caribbean coast of Panama, has been previously interpreted as record last deep-water connection between and Pacific oceans based on bodyfossil paleodepth estimates. We test this interpretation by presenting an integrated ichnological sedimentological analysis eight coastal localities Formation (Toro Limestone Sandstone members). Toro Member accumulated under fully marine conditions in a mixed carbonate siliciclastic shelf above storm wave base. Fluctuating high-moderate energy modulated combination tides high currents likely led to sparse bioturbation sediments, corresponding archetypal Cruziana ichnofacies assemblage. Bioturbation, dominated Thalassinoides Ophiomorpha isp., increases overlying corresponds proximal expression ichnofacies. was deposited within lower shoreface-upper offshore transition zone with low sedimentation rates combined storm, wave, tidal influence, includes fossils sediments continental origin suggesting proximity river mouth. Our results suggest that shallow waters, contrasting proposed accumulation, are consistent deposition tectonically stable platform northern Canal Basin at apex Panama orocline.