Jiufotang Formation
| Jiufotang Formation | |
|---|---|
| Stratigraphic range: Aptian ~ | |
| Type | Geological formation |
| Unit of | Jehol Group |
| Sub-units | Shangheshou & Meileyingzi Beds |
| Underlies | Fuxin & Shahai Formations |
| Overlies | Yixian Formation |
| Lithology | |
| Primary | Mudstone |
| Other | Sandstone |
| Location | |
| Coordinates | 41°12′N 119°24′E / 41.2°N 119.4°E |
| Approximate paleocoordinates | 44°24′N 119°30′E / 44.4°N 119.5°E |
| Region | Liaoning |
| Country | China |
| Type section | |
| Named for | Jiufotang, Pingfangzi, Liaoning |
| Named by | Ryuji Endo |
| Year defined | 1934 |
Jiufotang Formation (China) Jiufotang Formation (Liaoning) | |
The Jiufotang Formation (Chinese: 九佛堂组; pinyin: jiǔfótáng zǔ; previoiusly transliterated as Chiufotang Formation) is an Early Cretaceous geological formation in Chaoyang, Liaoning which has yielded fossils of feathered dinosaurs, primitive birds, pterosaurs, and other organisms (see Jehol Biota). It is a member of the Jehol group. The exact age of the Jiufotang has been debated for years, with estimates ranging from the Late Jurassic to the Early Cretaceous. New uranium-lead dates reveal the formation is deposited in the Aptian stage of the Early Cretaceous. Fossils of Microraptor and Jeholornis are from the Jiufotang.