Lourinhã Formation, Geological formation in Lisbon Region, Portugal
The Lourinhã Formation is a geological layer spanning the Lusitanian Basin in western Portugal, composed of sandstone, mudstone, and marl with varying depths. The rocks preserve numerous fossils from the ancient Jurassic period.
This rock layer formed during the Late Jurassic period over 150 million years ago when the region experienced changing environmental conditions. Scientists recognized its paleontological significance only in the late 1980s.
This geological formation is known for containing abundant dinosaur remains that are now displayed in regional museums. Visitors can examine these fossils to understand what ancient life looked like in this area during the Jurassic period.
This geological formation is distributed across multiple locations in western Portugal and can be examined through natural rock exposures and museum collections. The regional museum offers the most accessible way to study the fossils without extensive fieldwork.
Fossils from this formation resemble those from North America and East Africa, showing that similar dinosaurs once lived across different continents. These parallels help scientists understand how ancient ecosystems were connected globally.
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