[1][2] The Kendlbach Formation consists of clay-rich marls and other sediments deposited during and immediately after the Triassic-Jurassic extinction event at the end of the Rhaetian stage.
[2] The boundary between the Kössen and Kendlbach formations is marked by a sharp transition from limestone to dark shales and marls.
The boundary also shows a strong negative δ13C organic carbon isotope excursion as well as the extinction of many species of palynomorphs and marine invertebrates.
The interval experiences an influx of freshwater palynomorphs, namely Classopollis pollen (from drought-tolerant Cheirolepidiaceae conifers) followed by spores and Cymatiosphaera (a type of prasinophyte algae).
Some outcrops show a layer of reddish sediment, the Schattwald Beds, which follows the initial boundary interval.