Tamayama Formation

The Tamayama Formation is a special layer of rock in Japan that formed during a time called the Coniacian to Santonian. Scientists have found many interesting fossils there, including pieces that might come from dinosaurs, but they cannot say for sure which kinds of dinosaurs they are.

This rock layer has different parts. The lower and middle parts are made of sand from old braided rivers, while the top part is sand from near the shore and shallow ocean water.

Besides dinosaur pieces, fossils from this place include a marine reptile called Futabasaurus and a big shark called Cretalamna. There are also teeth from giant plant-eating dinosaurs called titanosauriforms and remains from a type of crocodile-like animal called neosuchians. Even seeds from an ancient water lily plant named Symphaenale futabensis have been found here.

Fossils

The Tamayama Formation has many interesting fossils. Scientists have found remains of creatures that lived a very long time ago, including some early dinosaurs. They also found plants and other sea creatures.

Some of the fossils found here include:

• Futabasaurus suzukii
• Cretalamna appendiculata
• Inoceramus
  • Inoceramus amakusensis
  • Inoceramus mihoensis
• Apiotrigonia minor
• Glycymeris? sp.
• Archaeromma chisatoi
• Titanosauriformes indet.
• Neosuchia indet.

Other plant fossils found include:

• Symphaenale futabensis
• Esgueiria sp.
• Hironoia sp.