The three members of the Yixian Formation represent historical phases, not facies equivalents.
Basal Lujiatun Member houses tetrapod fossils preserved in 3 dimensions in fluvial and volcaniclastic rock.
Xiatulaigou Member lavas and breccias are the only true flow units in the area.
Jianshangou Member laminites, air-falls, and tuffaceous rocks house the Jehol Biota.
The extraordinary preservation of the Jehol Biota is a result of deep lake anoxia.