Evaluation On Jehol Biota And Its Protection Area Division In Ningcheng, Inner Mongolia And Western Liaoning

The fossil-rich Mesozoic rocks are well developed in Ningcheng, Inner Mongolia and Western Liaoning. The fossils of Daohugou Biota and Jehol Biota are very rich and beautiful. Fossils in Ningcheng are mainly preserved in the several sites in Daohugou, Inner Mongolia, i.e., Xiaotongjianggou, Xisanjia, Liutiaogou, Dongwujia, Xiwujia, Qijia, Wangyingzi and Chaoyang Mountain. Fossils of Jehol Biota are preserved in the Late Jurassic to Cretaceous rocks in Western Liaoning. The most of these fossils are found in Yixian, Sihetun of Beipiao, Lingyuan and Shangheshou of Chaoyang.Based on the study on the basic features, types, distribution and correlation of fossils in Ningcheng, Western Liaoning and adjacent areas, the fossils of Daohugou Biota are preserved in the Tiaojishan and Jiulongshan Fms which are equivalent to Haifanggou Fm in Western Liaoning. The Yixian Fm is not well developed in Daohugou. The fossils in Yixian Fm from Tumen, Xiaotongjianggou, Xisanjia and Liutiaogou are quite abundant, which belong to Jehol Biota. The Jehol Biota in Western Liaoning and Northern Hebei are mainly preserved in the Upper Jurassic to Lower Cretaceous rocks (Yixian Fm and Jiufotang Fm). The age of Daohugou Biota is earier than that of Jehol Biota, the latter might be evolved from the former.For the better management of fossils in Ningcheng and Western Liaoning by relevant government departments, the fossil protection area division and fossil resources evaluation are made in these two areas. The establishment of protection areas is good to the protection and management of local fossils. It will also be beneficial for paleontological research. Besides, it will provide useful help and advice for the development of local Geoparks. The fossil-bearing areas in Ningcheng and Western Liaoning are divided into several grades: i.e., the core protected area, first-grade protection area and second-grade protection area. The area and coordinates of each protection area are confirmed. The two maps of distribution of fossil resources and graded protection plan are formulated, and the attribute database of MapGIS is established. The data of fossils includes serial number of fossil’s geographic positions, fossil sites, horizons, coordinates, species names and associated photos.