During 2023 field surveys for the Badain Jaran Sector Geoheritage Assessment, researchers identified a previously undocumented volcanic crater near Enger Us Village, Tamx Bog Sumu. Following multiple field verifications by Professor Tian Mingzhong’s team from China University of Geosciences (Beijing), the structure was confirmed as a volcanic formation. On May 13, 2024, geopark officials and researchers revisited the site with renowned volcanologist Professor Bai Zhida, who preliminarily classified it as an Early Cenozoic Hawaiian-type volcanic crater—a finding currently under detailed investigation.
The crater exhibits exceptionally preserved morphology with distinctive eruption features, displaying an aesthetically conical structure and continuous stratigraphic profiles. Measuring approximately 100 meters in depth and 200 meters in diameter, it features a prominent near-circular rim topography. This discovery represents western Inner Mongolia’s first documented volcanic crater, offering critical insights into regional tectonic evolution and volcanic eruption typology while significantly enhancing the geopark’s geoheritage diversity.
The Alxa Desert UNESCO Global Geopark Administration plans to develop this site into a premium geoscience field station featuring specialized research circuits and educational programs. This strategic initiative aims to advance sustainable development through innovative geoheritage utilization, positioning the crater as both a significant scientific resource and an exceptional geotourism destination.
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