Bottaccione Gorge, Canyon in Gubbio, Italy.
Bottaccione Gorge is a narrow canyon with two sheer rock walls located between Mount Ingino and Mount Foce near Gubbio. The Carmignano stream has carved through the bedrock over millions of years, creating exposed geological layers that reveal Earth's ancient history.
The gorge displays rock layers spanning from the Jurassic through the Cretaceous periods, documenting tens of millions of years of Earth's geological history. A notable layer records the extinction event that occurred around 66 million years ago, marking the end of the dinosaur era.
Scientists and researchers from various countries gather at the gorge to study its rock formations, which provide data about ancient marine environments.
Access to the gorge comes via State Road 298, which runs along the canyon floor and provides clear views of the rock walls. The paths are generally straightforward to walk, though sturdy shoes are recommended since the ground can be uneven and occasionally slippery.
The gorge received the Golden Spike certification in 2023, an international designation that establishes it as a global reference point for studying a specific chapter of Earth's geological history. This recognition makes it a significant destination for scientists seeking to understand a critical period in our planet's past.
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