Lianmuqin Formation, Geological formation in Xinjiang, China.
The Lianmuqin Formation is a rock layer in Xinjiang with thickness ranging from 213 to 360 meters, composed of red, green, and yellow mudstones and siltstones. These multicolored layers allow researchers to read different environmental conditions that existed during their deposition.
This rock sequence formed during the Early Cretaceous period, specifically in the Aptian and Albian ages, as part of the broader Tugulu Group in the Junggar Basin. It records a prolonged geological episode when sediments accumulated in this Central Asian basin.
The formation takes its name from Lianmuqin Town in Shanshan County, following standard geological practice of naming rock layers after nearby settlements. This local reference helps researchers and geologists locate and discuss this particular site.
This formation lies in a remote highland area and requires good physical preparation and expert guidance for visits. Access depends heavily on weather and seasonal conditions, making advance planning essential.
The layers preserve skeletal remains of several dinosaur species, including Asiatosaurus mongoliensis, Kelmayisaurus petrolicus, and Xinjiangovenator parvus. These fossil discoveries make the formation an important window for understanding Early Cretaceous ecosystems across Central Asia.
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