Dabeigou Formation, Geological formation in Hebei Province, China.
The Dabeigou Formation is a geological layer of sandstone and mudstone in Liaoning containing abundant fossilized remains from the Cretaceous period. The rock strata show clear divisions and preserve well-formed traces of organisms that lived in ancient times.
This formation developed about 145 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous as sediments accumulated in a shallow marine environment. The layers preserve traces of a time when dinosaurs and early birds spread through this region.
Chinese research institutions conduct regular excavations at the Dabeigou Formation, contributing to international understanding of prehistoric ecosystems.
Access to certain sections of the formation requires special permits from local authorities and is intended for scientific research purposes. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for uneven terrain, as the rock surface has rough areas and sometimes fragile structures.
The formation is known for containing a complete record of the Jehol Biota with three distinct developmental phases visible in its rocks. These layers show a rare sequence of evolution and extinction that helps researchers understand the environmental shifts of that distant past.
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