Lake Elgygytgyn
Lake Impact crater lake preserving long climatic and sediment records
Lake El’gygytgyn fills an Arctic meteorite crater in Chukotka and is prized for long sediment records; visitors are few, drawn by scientific camps, tundra landscapes and polar conditions.
Lake Elgygytgyn is an impact crater lake in Russia’s Chukotka region, north of the Arctic Circle. The crater was produced by a meteorite impact approximately 3.6 million years ago and the lake occupies the circular basin left by that event.
The site is important to scientists because its sediments provide a continuous palaeoclimate record spanning millions of years. The crater is around 18 kilometres in diameter and the lake and its sediments have been the focus of international drilling campaigns.
The lake formed on impact and has remained largely isolated from major inflows, allowing sediments to accumulate continuously. International research teams have conducted coring projects to retrieve long sediment sequences used to reconstruct past climate and environmental change.
Geographically the lake lies in the tundra of northeastern Siberia within Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, set in a remote landscape of low hills and lakes. The nearest permanent settlements are small and access for scientific teams is usually by air.
- Age and scientific value: Formed by a meteorite impact about 3.6 million years ago, it contains one of the most complete long-term continental sediment records for Arctic regions.
- Remote location: Located north of the Arctic Circle in remote tundra, access is typically by charter aircraft or part of organised scientific expeditions rather than regular tourist services.
What to See #
- Crater rim: A raised impact rim encircling the basin formed by the meteorite collision; the rim defines the crater margin and local topography.
- Central basin: The central lake basin that fills the impact structure and contains a continuous sediment record spanning the full age of the crater.
- Scientific drilling sites: Sites used for scientific coring and field camps; international drilling campaigns sampled lake sediments to reconstruct regional climate back through the Pleistocene and into the Pliocene.
How to Get to Lake Elgygytgyn #
Lake Elgygytgyn is in very remote northeastern Russia (Chukotka) and is not served by public transport. Access requires organized expedition logistics: charter flights or helicopter transfers from Anadyr or other regional airfields, or long overland expeditions using 4x4s and tracked vehicles during suitable seasons.
Visitors should only attempt travel with experienced operators who handle permits, local guides and logistical support for Arctic conditions.
Tips for Visiting Lake Elgygytgyn #
- Lake Elgygytgyn is extremely remote and visits are only practical as part of organized scientific or expedition trips-plan well in advance with operators experienced in Chukotka logistics.
- The short summer window (mid-June to August) is the most feasible time to visit when the lake is ice-free and tundra travel is possible; winter access is mostly impossible for typical visitors.
- There are no services or infrastructure at the lake-expeditions should include satellite communications, reliable transport, and knowledge of regional permitting and guided requirements for travel in Chukotka.
Best Time to Visit Lake Elgygytgyn #
For access and fieldwork, the brief Arctic summer (June-August) is the best time - the rest of the year the lake is frozen and conditions are severe.
Weather & Climate near Lake Elgygytgyn #
Lake Elgygytgyn's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -32°C to 12°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
January
January is freezing with highs of -23°C and lows of -32°C. Light rainfall.
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February
February is the coldest month with highs of -24°C and lows of -32°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of -21°C and lows of -31°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is freezing with highs of -12°C and lows of -24°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -9°C. The driest month with just 14 mm and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 0°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with 49 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -2°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is freezing with highs of -7°C and lows of -15°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is freezing with highs of -17°C and lows of -26°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -23°C and lows of -31°C. Light rainfall.
