Duderhof Heights—a Geological and Geomorphological Phenomenon on the Southern Edge of Saint Petersburg

Duderhof Heights is one of the most remarkable natural monuments in the immediate vicinity of St. Petersburg, which is the second largest city in Russia and its former capital. With its well-expressed, freshly dissected relief and a geological structure characterized by a complex network of dislocations, Duderhof Heights constitutes an authentic anomaly from the perspective of geomorphological, geological, soil-science, and hydrological studies. Researchers have proposed a range of hypotheses to explain the formation of the upland region, including tectonic, glacial, diapiric, and other processes. While its geological origin remains a controversial area of study, the picturesque scenery of Duderhof Heights has long attracted people to visit. In the modern day, partial preservation of the natural landscape can still be observed, particularly within the borders of the reserve area (Mts. Orekhovaya and Voronya), while the adjacent territory has been significantly altered by human activity.