Djadochta Formation

The Djadochta Formation is a geological layer sequence in Mongolia's Gobi Desert, made up of sandstone and mudstone deposited over long periods. The rocks at this site display different colors and textures that show how sediment accumulated and changed over millions of years.

Scientists from the American Museum of Natural History conducted early expeditions to study this formation starting in the 1920s. These pioneering efforts laid the groundwork for understanding the age and composition of these rock layers.

The formation's name comes from traditional Mongolian geographic terms, linking geological research to local nomenclature. Visitors walking through the site can observe how these rock layers tell the story of ancient times and why this place matters to scientists studying Earth's past.

This location sits in a remote desert region that requires special permits and advance planning to visit. Travelers should prepare for extreme heat, limited water and shelter options, and challenging access roads.

A fossilized scene shows a Velociraptor and Protoceratops locked in combat from 75 million years ago, making it one of the most striking fossil discoveries at this site. This specimen offers a rare glimpse into the interactions between hunting dinosaurs and other creatures of that era.