The Yixian Formation is a series of volcanic-sedimentary rocks in Biepiao area of Liaoning Province. It is mainly composed of basic and intermediate-basic volcanic lava,pyroclasts and terrestrial sedimentary rocks. Based on the regularity of volcanic activity,the Yixian Formation was divided by the present authors into four members in ascending order:the first member is of basal conglomerate,basic and intermediate-basic volcanic rocks; the second member is of lake phrase sedimentary rocks,or in another word,precious fossil-rich sedimentary beds; the third is of basic volcanic rocks; and the fourth is of upper conglomerate. Field mapping and comprehensive study also indicate that there are abundant vertebrate fossils (mainly of Psittacosaurus) in the first member of the Yixian Formation,and the Jehol Biota (including Sinosauropterxy,Confuciusorns sanctus,Archaefructus,etc.) is yielded in the second member of Yixian Formation. From west to east,the volcanic activity of Yixian Formation changed regularly from early to late,and from basic and intermediate-basic to acid (alkali).
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