Cerro Ballena, Paleontological site in Caldera, Chile.
Located along the Pan-American Highway, Cerro Ballena houses numerous marine mammal fossils, including over 40 complete cetacean skeletons from ancient times.
Military operations in 1965 first revealed the fossil deposits, leading to extensive scientific excavations and documentation between 2011 and 2012 at this location.
The site represents a national scientific treasure of Chile, providing essential data for understanding marine mammal evolution and prehistoric ocean environments.
Researchers and institutions must obtain permits to access the protected site, which contains designated areas for paleontological studies and excavations.
Evidence suggests that ancient algal blooms caused mass cetacean deaths, resulting in an exceptional concentration of whale fossils at this coastal location.
Location: Caldera
GPS coordinates: -27.04209,-70.79505
Latest update: March 2, 2025 20:33
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