Tiouraren Formation, Geological formation in Agadez Region, Niger.
The Tiouraren Formation is a geological layer in northern Niger composed of reddish siltstones and marls with varying rock structures and sedimentary deposits. These rock layers spread across a substantial area and reveal the stratification of materials accumulated over long periods.
These rock layers formed roughly 167 to 161 million years ago during the Jurassic period and preserve important records of ancient life. The deposits allow researchers to understand the conditions and organisms that existed in these distant times.
The formation sits within traditional Tuareg territories, where local communities maintain knowledge about the surrounding geological landscape.
Access requires specialized transportation and local permits due to its remote desert location. Careful planning for extreme heat and difficult terrain is essential for any visit.
Multiple dinosaur species were preserved here, including Afrovenator, Jobaria, and large predatory reptiles. These discoveries reveal that the region once hosted diverse large animals.
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