Abstract:
Recently the gigantic sauropod femur fossils have been first discovered in Zhumapu Formation of Upper Cretaceous in Xinrong area of Shanxi Province. Through the observation of preservation occurrence, remaining length and proximal end of the femur, the authors estimated the real length of the femur and the body length of this sauropod. It turns out that the real length of this femur is probably 1.9 m and the body length of the sauropod may reach more than 30.0 m. Furthermore, based on the analysis of sedimentary facies and paleocurrent directions, the authors discussed the burial environment of the femur fossils. The results show that Zhumapu Formation belongs to the meandering river deposit with grand scale, high degree of curvature and strong hydrodynamic force. This sauropod has been buried in the meandering river after a short-medium distance transportation. Discovery of the gigantic sauropod in this area has not only expanded the distribution range of gigantic sauropods in Late Cretaceous in North China , but also is of great significance to Cretaceous paleoclimate and paleoenvironment research in Zuoyun-Xinrong areas.