The term "Maestricht beds" refers to a geological formation found primarily in the Netherlands and Belgium, named after the city of Maastricht. These beds consist of various layers of sedimentary rocks that date back to the Late Cretaceous period. Synonyms for the Maestricht beds include the Maastrichtian stage, Maastricht limestone, and Maastrichtian formation. These names are commonly used in scientific literature and studies related to paleontology and geology. The Maestricht beds are of great significance as they preserve fossils of diverse marine life forms, including the famous dinosaur species, Mosasaurus, providing valuable insights into our planet's ancient history.