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 |
The Jiufotang Formation (Chinese: 九佛堂组; pinyin: jiǔfótáng zǔ) 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.