In 1949, in the north of the Irkutsk area of southeastern Siberia, around 360 km from the region focus of Bodaibo, a geologist named Vadim Kolpakov found a massive hill of limestone.
With a Patomskiy crater at the top and a small rise in the middle, the cone has oddly shaped. The bank at the base is about 40 meters high and 100 meters across. The shorter pile is about 12 meters high at the top. The crater was named Patomskiy after a nearby river, but it is nicknamed “the Fiery Eagle’s Nest” by local people.
There have been several hypotheses following the discovery of the crater as to what may have formed it. It considered being a meteorite impact structure for a long time.
Some associated it with the Tunguska meteorite, the traces of which were never found. Be that as it may, no other realized shooting star site takes after the Patomskiy carter. Any geologists later proposed that it could be a nascent volcano, but no volcanic material was ever detected either.
Deep in the Siberian wilderness lies the enigmatic Patomskiy Crater, a perplexing geological formation that has baffled scientists for decades. This colossal mound of shattered limestone, towering 40 meters high, rests in the dense taiga of Irkutsk region’s Bodaibo District.
The article delves into the crater’s intriguing characteristics, its 300-year history of discoveries and studies, and the ongoing debate surrounding its elusive origins, shedding light on this Siberian marvel.
The crater is located on the slope of the Patom Plateau in the depths of the Russian taiga. It is a cone mountain of broken grey limestone. The nearest town is Lensk, it lies 180 km away.This weird object with unique geological characteristics was discovered in 1949 by the Soviet researcher Vadim Kolpakov.
Initially, his expedition mistook the mountain for a spoil heap, but no mining was carried out nearby. The scientists realized that they were facing a real anomaly.Since then, numerous scientific expeditions explored the crater to provide the ground for different versions of what caused this object.
Researchers rejected the meteor hypothesis of the cone’s appearance quickly as no cosmic rocks were found in the vicinity.Eruption of the deep flow of gas and fluid components to the surface is the most plausible version now.
Another version is collision with an unknown cylindrical object, that penetrated the rock, got into the subsurface gas pocket, and pushed the gas out.According to year-ring analysis, the crater is 500–600 years old.
Local residents call this mysterious place the Fire Eagle Nest. This legendary object is popular among tourists, but there is no guided tours to it as no road leads there.
Characteristics of Patomskiy Crater
The Patomskiy crater, also known as the Kolpakov cone, is a peculiar rock formation located in the Bodaibo District of the Irkutsk region in southeastern Siberia. Its striking features have captured the attention of scientists and researchers for decades.
Structural Makeup
The crater is a large mound composed of shattered limestone blocks, situated on the slopes of the Patom Highlands amidst dense taiga forests. Its distinctive shape resembles a cone, with a ring-shaped crown encircling a smaller mound at the center.
Dimensions and Volume
The base diameter of the crater measures approximately 160 meters (520 feet), while its height stands at an impressive 40 meters (130 feet). The central mound within the crater has a height of about 12 meters (39 feet). The estimated volume of the crater is a staggering 230,000–250,000 cubic meters (8,100,000–8,800,000 cubic feet), weighing around one million tons.
Crater’s Chronology
According to studies conducted by Siberian scientists, the Patomskiy crater is a relatively young geological formation, estimated to have formed only 300 to 350 years ago. Dendrochronological analysis of larch trees found within the crater’s vicinity supports this age estimation.
Chronology of Discoveries and Studies
The Patomskiy crater’s discovery and subsequent investigations have unfolded over several decades, leaving scientists puzzled about its enigmatic origins.
Vadim Kolpakov’s Discovery
In 1949, Russian geologist Vadim Kolpakov stumbled upon the remarkable formation, describing it as “a perfectly shaped mount the size of a 25-story building with a chopped-off top sitting in the middle of the woods.” Kolpakov initially speculated that the crater could be an archaeological artifact, a volcanic remnant, or even a top-secret creation of Stalin’s regime.
Subsequent Expeditions and Research Efforts
Following Kolpakov’s discovery, several scientific expeditions have been undertaken to unravel the mystery of the Patomskiy crater. However, its true nature remains elusive, with various theories proposed but no definitive consensus reached.
- In 2010, the Saint Petersburg Mining Institute held a scientific conference titled “Patom Crater 2010.” Viktor Sergeyevich Antipin, a department head at the St. Petersburg Institute of Geochemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IG SB RAS), stated that the Institute of Geochemistry’s 2006 expedition concluded the crater likely originated from geological processes. He emphasized that no substantial evidence supported the meteorite crater hypothesis.
- According to studies by Siberian scientists, the crater formed relatively recently, between 300 and 350 years ago. They attribute its distinct zoning to geological processes and the intensive introduction of deep gas flows, which transformed the silicate rocks within the crater. Gravimetric and geoelectrical investigations further reinforced the belief that the Patom crater has an endogenetic (originating from within the Earth) nature.
Despite these efforts, the lack of funding for comprehensive scientific expeditions has hindered a complete understanding of the Patomskiy crater’s origins. Currently, various theories coexist, awaiting further exploration and evidence to unravel this Siberian enigma.
Debate Over the Crater’s Origins
The origin of the Patomskiy Crater has been a subject of intense debate among scientists, with various theories proposed to explain its enigmatic formation. Here are the prominent hypotheses and the evidence supporting or challenging them:
Meteorite Theory
One of the leading theories suggests that the Patomskiy Crater was formed by the impact of a meteorite. The crater’s circular shape, central peak, and raised rim are characteristic features of impact craters. However, the lack of typical meteoritic material at the site has challenged this theory.
Some researchers have proposed that the crater could be a fragment of the famous Tunguska meteorite, which crashed in Krasnoyarsk Krai in 1908, about 700 miles northwest of the Patomskiy Crater. However, this theory is weakened by the fact that the Patomskiy Crater is estimated to have formed around two centuries before the Tunguska event.
Evidence for Volcanic Origin
Another prominent hypothesis suggests that the Patomskiy Crater is of volcanic origin, formed by a rare type of phreatic eruption. This theory is supported by the fact that the region lies within a volcanic field, although no recent volcanic activity has been detected in the immediate vicinity of the crater.
Proponents of this theory point to the presence of weathered breccias (rocks composed of angular fragments), the diameter-to-height ratio typical of volcanic cones, and the absence of geochemical anomalies linked to cosmogenic (originating from outer space) origins. Additionally, the crater’s distinct zoning, with different ages represented, contradicts the meteorite hypothesis.
Gas Eruption Hypothesis
Some scientists propose that the Patomskiy Crater could have resulted from a massive underground gas explosion. Siberia is known for its significant natural gas reserves, and an accumulation of gas in an underground cavity, followed by ignition and an explosive release, could potentially create a formation resembling the crater.
This theory considers eyewitness accounts of a massive explosion in the region during the late 17th century, which reportedly devastated a vast forest area and was followed by the appearance of the crater. However, clear evidence supporting this hypothesis remains elusive.
Despite numerous studies and expeditions, the true origin of the Patomskiy Crater remains shrouded in mystery, with each theory facing its own set of challenges and lacking definitive proof. Further comprehensive investigations and the discovery of new evidence may eventually unravel this Siberian enigma.
Conclusion
The Patomskiy crater, a geological wonder nestled in the heart of Siberia’s wilderness, continues to captivate scientists and researchers with its enigmatic origins. Despite numerous studies and expeditions, the true nature of this colossal formation remains shrouded in mystery, with various theories proposed but no definitive consensus reached. While some believe it was formed by a meteorite impact, others attribute it to volcanic or gas eruption processes, each hypothesis facing its own set of challenges and lacking conclusive evidence.
As the debate over the crater’s origins persists, the Patomskiy crater stands as a testament to the mysteries that lie within our planet’s depths. Its very existence sparks curiosity and a desire to unravel the secrets of Earth’s geological processes, reminding us that much remains to be discovered and understood. Perhaps future advancements in technology and interdisciplinary collaborations will shed new light on this Siberian marvel, unraveling the secrets it has guarded for centuries.