Sao Khua Formation, Geological formation in northeastern Thailand.
Sao Khua Formation is a geological layer in northeastern Thailand made up of alternating bands of pale red sandstone and grayish-brown siltstone. The rock sequence reaches about 120 meters thick and sits between two other well-known formations in the region.
These rock layers formed during the Early Cretaceous period, roughly 133 to 132 million years ago, when sediments built up in river valleys of this region. The sequence records what an ancient river landscape looked like in this part of Southeast Asia.
The formation contains numerous fossils of dinosaurs, including Phuwiangosaurus and Siamotyrannus, which contribute to Thailand's paleontological research and education.
The rocks can be explored through the Huai Sao Khua drainage area, where the best sequence is exposed for study. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and bring rain protection, as the region can be wet and muddy.
The rock sequence is 60 to 70 percent made up of floodplain deposits, which tell another story about the ancient river landscape. This high amount of flat land material shows how often water shaped this region long ago.
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