Itat Formation, Geological formation in western Siberia, Russia
The Itat Formation is a geological rock sequence in western Siberia composed of alternating sandstone, mudstone, and substantial coal seams extending several hundred meters thick. The Berezovsk coal mine in southern Krasnoyarsk Krai exposes numerous fossils through open-pit mining activities.
The formation originated in the Middle Jurassic period, roughly 170 to 166 million years ago, holding significant paleontological records of dinosaurs, fish, amphibians, and early mammals. It ranks among the few fossil sites in Russia from this distant geological time.
Scientists from multiple disciplines study the Itat Formation to understand the evolution of early mammals and the development of diverse species during the Jurassic period.
Fossils are most accessible near and within the Berezovsk mine area, where ongoing mining continuously exposes new finds. Keep in mind this is an active mining operation, so access varies depending on work conditions and operational schedules.
Researchers unearthed Itatodon tatarinovi here, an early mammal species that was exceptionally rare to find in Russia at that time. This discovery helped place the site among the few locations offering insight into mammal life during the age of dinosaurs.
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