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Vilyuy Plateau
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The Vilyuy Plateau is an extensive upland region in Central Siberia, forming a significant part of the Central Siberian Plateau. It is located at the headwaters of the Vilyuy and Olenyok rivers, spanning the border of the Sakha Republic and Krasnoyarsk Krai. The geological foundation of the plateau is composed of Siberian Traps, massive basalt layers formed by volcanic activity at the end of the Permian period. Notably, the Vilyuy Plateau holds the world record for the thickest permafrost, which reaches staggering depths of up to 1,500 meters. The landscape is characterized by flat-topped ridges reaching up to 962 meters, interspersed with deep valleys carved by glacial and fluvial erosion. The extreme continental climate results in some of the widest temperature ranges on Earth, supporting a sparse larch taiga. This remote area is adjacent to world-famous diamond mining centers like Udachny and Mirny.
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The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -34 | -33 | -21 | -9 | 1 | 13 | 15 | 12 | 3 | -10 | -26 | -34 |
| Rain mm | 13 | 11 | 17 | 32 | 63 | 84 | 66 | 80 | 50 | 36 | 22 | 13 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- The permafrost depth of 1,500 meters is the deepest measured on Earth.
- The plateau's maximum elevation is 962 meters above sea level.
- It is part of the 'Pole of Cold' region with extreme winter conditions.
- The bedrock consists of volcanic basalt known as the Siberian Traps.
- Major diamond deposits were discovered here in the mid-20th century.
- Larch forests cover most of the plateau, adapted to the frozen substrate.
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