Patomskiy crater, Geological formation in Bodaibo District, Russia.
Patomskiy crater is a limestone mound in southeastern Siberia with a base diameter of 160 meters and height of 40 meters. It rises to 700 meters above sea level in the North Baikal Range and stands as a striking geological formation in a remote mountain setting.
The geologist Vadim Kolpakov first documented this formation scientifically in 1949, though local inhabitants had known about it for centuries. The knowledge passed through generations before academic researchers arrived to study it formally.
The crater carries the name 'Nest of the Fire Eagle' in local tradition, reflecting how indigenous and local communities have watched over this place for generations.
Reaching this site requires traveling roughly 360 kilometers from Bodaibo through remote terrain in southeastern Siberia. Proper preparation and suitable gear are important due to the isolated location and harsh climate conditions year-round.
Dendrochronological studies suggest this structure is only around 300 years old, making it a relatively recent geological feature. Its youth compared to similar formations in the region draws ongoing scientific interest.
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