In 2023, during the field investigation and inspection of geological heritage in the Badain Jaran of Alxa Desert UGGp, a new type of geoheritage was discovered.  In order to get more evidence for the speculation, Professor TIAN Mingzhong from China University of Geosciences (Beijing) carried out multiple visits, repeated verification, it is determined to be a volcanic crater.  On May 13, 2024, The research team and the staff from Alxa Desert UGGp Administraion once again went to the site for further confirmation.  According to the on-site investigation by renowned volcanic geology expert Professor BAI Zhida from China University of Geosciences (Beijing),，it is determined to be the "Early Cenozoic Hawaiian style volcanic craters". Currently, further research is underway.

The volcanic crater has a intact shape, beautiful appearance, typical eruption characteristics, and a continuous volcanic eruption profile with a complete structure.  The volcano has a maximum depth of about 100m and a diameter of about 200m, forming a prominent, circular landform.

The discovery of this volcanic crater is an important discovery in the western region of Inner Mongolia in China, which has significant scientific values, tourism and scientific popularization value for studying regional geological structures, evolution, volcanic eruption types, ages, geological heritages, and mineral exploration.  It has added a new type of geoheritage to Alxa Desert UNESCO Global Geopark.

Next, Alxa Desert UNESCO Global Geopark Administration plans to build it into a high-quality geological research and popularization route, set up scientific investigation site based on further in-depth research, continuously promoting the sustainable and high-quality development of the geopark.

Onsite investigation

Onsite investigation