Tiaojishan Formation, Geological formation in Hebei, Inner Mongolia, and Liaoning, China.
The Tiaojishan Formation is a geological structure spanning across Hebei, Inner Mongolia, and Liaoning in northeastern China, composed mainly of andesite and pyroclastic rock layers. These rock strata stretch several kilometers in thickness and hold many fossilized remains of ancient plants and animals throughout their depth.
This formation developed roughly 160 million years ago during the Late Jurassic period as a significant geological deposit in the region. It preserves traces of ecosystems that existed in East Asia during this distant geological epoch.
Scientists from various institutions conduct research at the formation to study ancient plant life, dinosaur remains, and geological processes in East Asia.
This rock formation is spread across a large area, so visitors can explore various outcrops and fossil sites at multiple locations throughout the region. It helps to learn about specific sites before visiting since the exposures are not concentrated at one central point.
Well-preserved fossils of early gliding mammals and pterosaurs have been discovered at this location, attracting significant scientific interest. These findings help researchers better understand how flying animals evolved during a specific geological period.
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