Flaming Cliffs, Paleontological site in Ömnögovi Province, Mongolia
The Flaming Cliffs are red sandstone formations in the Gobi Desert where the colors of sedimentary layers shift between orange and deep red as sunlight changes throughout the day. The cliffs extend across a vast landscape and reveal distinct geological strata from different periods.
An American paleontologist discovered the first known dinosaur eggs at this location during 1920s expeditions to the Gobi, revolutionizing understanding of how these creatures reproduced. This breakthrough led to intensive study of the fossil record preserved within these cliffs.
The site's Mongolian name, Bayanzag, refers to the saxaul shrubs that grow in the region, plants traditionally used by nomadic communities for fuel.
The site is only reachable by sturdy vehicle on desert tracks, with no paved roads connecting to this remote location. Prepare for extreme temperature swings and bring plenty of water, along with maps or a compass for navigation.
Fossils here preserve Velociraptors and Protoceratops locked in combat positions, offering direct evidence of dinosaur interactions from 71 million years ago. These rare finds document one of the few known instances of predator and prey behavior from the prehistoric past.
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