Tianjialou Formation


The Tianjialou Formation is a Lower Cretaceous geologic formation in China. Its lithology is described as consisting "chiefly of a sequence of fine clastic lacustrine deposits, including feldspar sandstone, siltstone and mudstone". Dinosaur tracks have been discovered in the formation.

Fossil content

Two types of sauropod tracks, resembling Parabrontopodus and Brontopodus respectively, are known. There are also tetradactyl ornithischian tracks, possibly left by Psittacosaurus.
GenusSpeciesRegionMaterialNotesImages
DromaeopodusD. shandongensisHouzuoshan Dinosaur Park in Lingquan Town, Junan CountyEight trackways, consisting of eighteen footprints in totalLarge deinonychosaur tracks, most likely from a dromaeosaur. Toe and heel pads visible. Six trackways are parallel and closely spaced, suggesting group behavior.
MinisauripusM. zhenshuonaniHouzuoshan Dinosaur Park in Lingquan Town, Junan CountyThree footprints, two of which are part of a trackwaySmall tridactyl theropod tracks
ShandongornipesS. muxiaiHouzuoshan Dinosaur Park in Lingquan Town, Junan CountyA trackway of five footprintsModerately large, tetradactyl bird tracks with a reversed first toe; exceptionally long steps
VelociraptorichnusV. sichuanensisHouzuoshan Dinosaur Park in Lingquan Town, Junan CountyA trackway of two footprintsSmaller deinonychosaur tracks