Manpupuner rock formations facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Manpupuner rock formations |
|
|---|---|
Manpupuner rock formations
|
|
| Highest point | |
| Prominence | 98–138 ft (30–42 m) |
| Geography | |
 Manpupuner rock formations
Location in Russia
|
|
| Location | Troitsko-Pechorsky District, Komi Republic, Russia |
| Geology | |
| Age of rock | 200 million years |
The Manpupuner rock formations are a group of seven amazing stone pillars. They are found west of the Ural Mountains in the Komi Republic of Russia. People also call them the Seven Strong Men Rock Formations or the Poles of the Komi Republic. These giant pillars stand tall on a mountain called Man-Pupu-nyor. This mountain is located between the Ilych River and Pechora River. The local Mansi people once thought these formations were sacred. Today, they are considered one of the Seven Wonders of Russia. They are a popular but quiet attraction for visitors.
Contents
What Are the Manpupuner Rocks?
The Manpupuner rock formations are very tall, ranging from 30 to 42 meters high. That's like a 10-story building! About 200 million years ago, this area had huge mountains. Over millions of years, weather like rain, snow, wind, and changes in heat slowly wore down these mountains. This process is called weathering and erosion.
The pillars are made of a very strong type of rock called sericite-quartzite schist. This rock was much harder than the rocks around it. The softer rocks were worn away by the weather and carried off by water and wind. But the tough pillars remained, standing tall as a reminder of the ancient mountains.
One of the pillars, which is 34 meters tall, stands a little bit away from the others. It looks like an upside-down bottle. The other six pillars are grouped together at the edge of a cliff. People say the pillars look like giant human figures, or even the heads of a horse or a ram. Many old stories and legends are connected to these mysterious rocks.
Animals Living Near Manpupuner
The area around the Manpupuner plateau is home to many different animals. You might spot viviparous lizards crawling on the rocks. In the trees, there are quick squirrels and clever martens. Other animals that live here include sables, otters, and stoats. You might also see American minks, large brown bears, tough wolverines, and sly foxes roaming the land.
Visiting the Manpupuner Formations
Visiting the Manpupuner rock formations can be an exciting adventure! You can reach them in a few ways. One way is by road from the Komi Republic. Another option is to go hiking or skiing over the Dyatlov Pass from the Sverdlovsk region. For a quicker trip, some people choose to travel by helicopter.
Before 2004, it was possible to drive a car route from the Sverdlovsk Region. This route included visiting the Dyatlov Pass, Otorten Mountain, and the start of the Pechora River. However, this car route was officially stopped. It passed through two important protected areas: the Pechoro-Ilychsky Reserve and the Ivdelsky Reserve. These areas are protected to keep nature safe, so car travel is no longer allowed there.
See also
