Well preserved low maturity lacustrine sediments containing volcanic ash were studied.
Si-he-tun sediments were deposited in an anoxic water column, at times stratified.
C24 17,21-secohopane has a distinct source associated with the Jehol Biota fossils.
The dominant n-alkane varied as the climate changed from warm and humid to arid.
δ13C values for long-chain n-alkanes reflect an influence of volcanic activity.