Elrhaz Formation, Cretaceous geological deposit in Gadoufaoua, Niger.
The Elrhaz Formation is a sandstone layer located near the western edge of the Ténéré Desert in Niger. It lies in one of the most remote parts of the Sahara and holds fossils of animals that lived in this region long ago.
The formation developed roughly between 125 and 112 million years ago during the Early Cretaceous, when the region was crossed by rivers and home to many animals. Over time, sediment covered these remains and turned them into fossils.
Scientists from multiple countries conduct research expeditions to the Elrhaz Formation, extracting specimens for museums and research institutions.
Reaching this remote spot in the Sahara requires special permits and properly equipped vehicles. The cooler months are the best time to visit, as desert conditions are easier to manage during that period.
Complete skeletons of Sarcosuchus imperator, a prehistoric crocodile far larger than any living species today, have been unearthed here. This find is considered one of the most notable paleontological discoveries made on the African continent.
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