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12 Massive Meteorite Impact Craters
Meteorite impact craters are among the most awe-inspiring geological features on Earth, serving as remnants of colossal cosmic collisions. Some craters are now barely visible, while others remain strikingly intact. Each tells a story about the history of our planet and its interaction with the universe. Here are twelve famous meteorite impact craters from around the world, known for their scientific significance, size, and fascinating histories.
The Wolfe Creek Crater, located in the remote Kimberley region of Western Australia, is one of the best-preserved meteorite impact craters in the world. Formed approximately 120,000 years ago, the crater is 2,870 feet (875 meters) in diameter and about 200 feet (60 meters) deep, with a prominent rim that rises around 60 feet (20 meters) above the surrounding desert. The impact that created Wolfe Creek Crater was caused by an iron meteorite estimated to weigh about 50,000 tons, which struck the Earth at a high velocity, creating the iconic circular depression that is visible today.
In addition to its geological appeal, Wolfe Creek Crater holds cultural importance to the local Djaru Aboriginal people, who refer to it as “Kandimalal.” According to Aboriginal legend, the crater was formed by the passage of a serpent, which created the circular depression as it emerged from the ground. This story highlights the deep spiritual connection the local people have with the site, and the crater has become a place where science and indigenous knowledge intertwine. Wolfe Creek Crater has also gained fame in popular culture, particularly after being featured in the 2005 Australian horror film Wolf Creek, bringing international attention to this extraordinary natural landmark.
View of the Wolfe Creek Crater in Australia.
The Chicxulub Crater, located beneath the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, is one of Earth’s most significant impact sites, famed for its role in a cataclysmic event around 66 million years ago that likely led to the extinction of nearly 75% of life on Earth, including the dinosaurs. Measuring about 93 miles (150 kilometers) in diameter and buried beneath layers of sediment, this massive crater was created by an asteroid or comet roughly 6-9 miles (10-15 kilometers) wide that slammed into Earth with unimaginable force. The impact released energy equivalent to billions of atomic bombs, creating a shockwave that devastated everything nearby and sent debris into the atmosphere, leading to drastic changes in the global climate.
What makes the Chicxulub crater particularly famous is its connection to the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) extinction event. Scientists believe the impact ejected enough dust, sulfur, and ash to darken the skies for years, blocking sunlight and triggering a rapid global cooling that disrupted ecosystems. This dramatic shift contributed to the extinction of the dinosaurs, paving the way for mammals—and eventually humans—to dominate Earth.
The crater is buried beneath layers of limestone, but its structure has been studied extensively through geophysical surveys and drilling projects. Evidence of "shocked quartz" (a type of deformed mineral created only under extreme pressures) and deposits of a rare mineral called iridium, often associated with extraterrestrial objects, have solidified its identity as a massive impact site. Chicxulub remains one of the most studied and intriguing geological sites on the planet, embodying both the destructive power of cosmic impacts and their profound influence on the history of life on Earth.
The Barringer Meteorite Crater, also known as Meteor Crater, is one of the best-preserved impact craters on Earth, located near Winslow in the Arizona desert. It was created approximately 50,000 years ago when a nickel-iron meteorite about 160 feet (50 meters) in diameter and weighing over 300,000 tons struck the ground at a speed of around 26,000 miles per hour (42,000 km/h). The resulting explosion released energy equivalent to about 10 megatons of TNT, carving out a crater 0.75 miles (1.2 kilometers) in diameter and 560 feet (170 meters) deep.
The Barriger Crater in Arizona
What makes Barringer Crater particularly famous is its role as the first recognized impact crater on Earth, setting a milestone in the study of planetary geology. In the early 20th century, mining engineer Daniel Barringer proposed that the crater was formed by a meteorite impact rather than volcanic activity, which was the prevailing belief at the time. His theory marked a turning point in understanding extraterrestrial impacts on Earth. Later studies confirmed Barringer’s hypothesis, and the site was named in his honor.
Today, Meteor Crater is an iconic landmark and a valuable research site for scientists studying impact dynamics. Its excellent preservation allows researchers to observe the characteristics of a fresh impact site, from shock-metamorphosed rock to fragmented meteorite remnants scattered around the crater. Its accessibility and dramatic landscape make it a popular destination, captivating visitors with its scale and its story as a testament to the Earth’s vulnerability to cosmic forces.
The Vredefort Crater in the Free State province of South Africa is the largest confirmed impact structure on Earth, with an original diameter of roughly 190 miles (300 kilometers). Formed over 2 billion years ago during the Paleoproterozoic era, it was created by an asteroid or comet impact estimated to have been 6-9 miles (10-15 kilometers) wide. This ancient collision released energy so vast that it deformed the surrounding landscape, uplifting rock from deep within Earth’s crust and leaving behind concentric rings that are still visible in parts of the region today.
What makes the Vredefort Crater famous is its remarkable age and scale, offering scientists insight into both early Earth processes and the effects of large-scale impacts on planetary geology. The crater is considered one of the oldest and most deeply eroded impact sites, and its structure has provided valuable information on how large impacts can shape and alter Earth’s crust. Today, it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and serves as a natural laboratory for studying ancient impact events and their influence on geological formations.
The Vredefort impact likely had massive repercussions, contributing to significant changes in the atmosphere and potentially influencing early life on Earth. Its unique geology, with rocks that have been altered by intense heat and pressure, allows geologists to examine impact-related transformations such as “shocked quartz” and other metamorphosed minerals. The Vredefort Crater stands as a testament to the planet’s dynamic history, preserving a record of one of the most powerful impacts in Earth’s geological timeline.
The Nördlinger Ries is a well-preserved meteorite impact crater located in southern Germany, near the towns of Nördlingen and Ries. Formed approximately 14.8 million years ago during the Miocene epoch, it spans about 15 miles (24 kilometers) in diameter, with a distinct circular depression that remains visible today. The crater was created by a massive asteroid or comet impact, with an estimated size of about 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) in diameter, releasing energy comparable to millions of atomic bombs. Its central uplift and surrounding ring structures are characteristic of large impact craters, and the area has become a geological treasure trove for studying impact-related formations.
What makes the Nördlinger Ries crater particularly famous is its accessibility and preservation, allowing scientists and visitors alike to observe impact-induced geological features up close. Unique rock formations, such as "suevite" (a type of brecciated rock created by the impact’s intense heat and pressure), are found throughout the region. Additionally, the town of Nördlingen, which lies within the crater, is built from stones containing microdiamonds, formed during the impact when extreme heat and pressure acted on carbon-bearing rocks.
Moldavite, a green tektite created by the impact at Nördlinger Rie.
One fascinating material associated with the Nördlinger Ries impact is moldavite, a rare greenish, glassy tektite. Moldavite was created when the impact ejected molten material into the atmosphere, which then cooled and fell back to Earth over a wide area, particularly in what is now the Czech Republic. Unlike most impactites, moldavite is prized for its aesthetic and gem-like qualities, and it is often used in jewelry. Its unique origin as an extraterrestrial impact byproduct has made moldavite a popular item for collectors and enthusiasts, as well as a subject of scientific interest due to its unusual formation process.
The Haviland Crater, also known as the Brenham Crater, is a small yet notable meteorite impact site located near Haviland, Kansas, in the United States. Measuring roughly 50 feet (15 meters) in diameter, it is one of the few recognized impact craters in the U.S. formed by a meteorite impact. This crater was created by the Brenham pallasite meteorite. Although the exact age of the impact is uncertain, it is believed to be relatively young compared to many larger, older craters worldwide.
Haviland Crater is famous largely for the extraordinary meteorite fragments that have been discovered in the surrounding area. Some of the meteorite pieces unearthed here, known as the Brenham meteorites, include sizable specimens with well-preserved crystalline structures, prized by collectors and scientists alike. In particular, the Brenham pallasite, a rare type of stony-iron meteorite with beautiful olivine (peridot) crystals embedded in an iron-nickel matrix, has attracted significant attention for its rarity and aesthetic qualities. These discoveries have made Haviland a popular destination for meteorite hunters and enthusiasts, as well as a valuable site for studying pallasite meteorites.
The Manicouagan Crater, located in Quebec, Canada, is one of Earth’s largest and oldest preserved impact craters, formed approximately 215 million years ago during the Late Triassic period. With a diameter of about 62 miles (100 kilometers), the crater is partially flooded, forming a distinctive ring-shaped lake, known as the Manicouagan Reservoir or "Eye of Quebec," that is visible from space. The impact that created Manicouagan was caused by an asteroid estimated to be over 3 miles (5 kilometers) wide, releasing energy on a massive scale and leaving behind one of the most prominent impact structures on Earth.
The Manicouagan Crater as seen from space.
What makes the Manicouagan Crater famous is its exceptional preservation and striking circular lake that accentuates the crater’s boundaries, making it one of the most identifiable impact sites on satellite imagery. This preservation is unusual for such an old crater, and it provides scientists with a rare opportunity to study the long-term effects of a large impact on Earth's crust. Additionally, the central uplift within the crater, Mount Babel, rises like an island within the lake, representing rock pushed upward from deep within the Earth by the force of the impact.
Geologists and researchers are particularly interested in the Manicouagan Crater because of its association with other craters formed around the same period, suggesting a possible impact event involving multiple meteorites. This event may have had significant environmental effects, potentially influencing the global ecosystem at the time. The crater’s unique structure and history continue to make it a site of scientific exploration, offering insights into impact dynamics, geological formations, and the impact history of Earth.
The Aorounga Crater is a well-preserved impact structure located in the Sahara Desert in northern Chad. It is estimated to be around 345 million years old, dating back to the Carboniferous period. The main crater is about 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) in diameter, with an intriguing set of concentric rings that have led scientists to speculate about the possibility of multiple impacts or post-impact geological processes that created layered rings around the main impact site.
What makes the Aorounga Crater famous is its distinct ringed pattern and remote location in the Sahara Desert, where the arid climate has preserved its structure. Satellite imagery has been crucial in identifying the crater and its features, as the crater's rings are particularly visible from space. The remote and dry location of Aorounga means it has remained relatively untouched by erosion and human activity, allowing scientists to study it in a largely unaltered state.
A rendering of Aorounga crater using digital elevation mapping.
Gosses Bluff Crater, also known as Tnorala, is a striking meteorite impact crater located in the Northern Territory of Australia. Formed around 142 million years ago during the Jurassic period, the crater originally had an estimated diameter of about 14 miles (22 kilometers). Today, due to erosion, the visible portion of the crater is about 3 miles (5 kilometers) across, consisting of rugged hills and ridges that form an impressive ring-like structure, which is the central uplift from the impact. Gosses Bluff holds significant cultural value for the Western Arrernte Aboriginal people, who refer to it as Tnorala. According to Aboriginal legend, the crater marks the site where a celestial baby fell to Earth during a dance of ancestral beings, creating the ring of hills.
The Kara Crater is an ancient meteorite impact structure located in the northern region of Russia, near the Kara Sea. Estimated to be around 70 million years old, dating back to the Late Cretaceous period, the Kara Crater originally had a diameter of roughly 40 miles (65 kilometers). However, due to extensive erosion over millions of years and the region’s harsh, icy climate, much of its structure is now obscured. The impact was caused by a large asteroid or comet, and it likely contributed to significant geological changes in the area.
Kara Crater is famous for being one of the largest impact sites in Russia and is notable for its potential connection to another nearby structure, the Ust-Kara Crater. Some scientists believe these craters could be remnants of a dual impact event, where fragments of a large meteorite struck the Earth in close succession.
The Lonar Crater, located in Maharashtra, India, is a unique impact crater formed around 52,000 ± 6,000 years ago. Measuring about 1.1 miles (1.8 kilometers) in diameter and 500 feet (150 meters) deep, it is one of the few known impact craters in the world to be formed in basalt rock, which originated from ancient volcanic activity in the Deccan Traps. This crater was created by a high-speed meteorite impact, which generated extreme temperatures and pressures that altered the basalt rock, producing distinctive geological features such as impact melt rock and shocked quartz.
View of the Lonar Crater, now a lake in India.
What makes Lonar Crater famous is not only its unique basaltic geology but also its two-layered, highly alkaline and saline lake that has developed within the crater’s bowl. The lake's unique chemistry has fostered an unusual ecosystem with extremophile microorganisms adapted to the lake’s harsh conditions. This makes Lonar Crater a valuable location for scientific research, as its conditions offer insights into life’s adaptability and the effects of impact events on volcanic landscapes.
Lonar Crater is also a significant cultural and historical site, surrounded by ancient temples that date back hundreds of years and are decorated with inscriptions and carvings. This mix of natural, scientific, and historical interest has made Lonar Crater a popular destination for researchers, ecologists, geologists, and tourists, as well as a source of fascination for those intrigued by extraterrestrial impacts and unique ecosystems.
The Gebel Kamil Crater, located in a remote area of Egypt’s Western Desert, near the Sudanese border, is an exceptionally well-preserved meteorite impact site with a diameter of approximately 148 feet (45 meters) and a depth of 52 feet (16 meters). Formed around 5,000 years ago, it was created by a small iron meteorite that struck the Earth at a high velocity. The impact was powerful enough to form a nearly perfect circular crater with sharp, raised rims, making it one of the best-preserved small impact craters in the world.
What makes Gebel Kamil Crater particularly famous is its abundance of iron meteorite fragments, scattered in and around the crater, many of which are still largely intact. This is unusual, as most impact craters have few remaining meteorite fragments, either due to erosion or other geological processes. At Gebel Kamil, however, researchers discovered thousands of meteorite fragments, ranging from small pieces to larger chunks, all rich in iron and nickel.
A satellite image of the Gebel Kamil impact crater.
1. Wolfe Creek Crater – Western Australia
The Wolfe Creek Crater, located in the remote Kimberley region of Western Australia, is one of the best-preserved meteorite impact craters in the world. Formed approximately 120,000 years ago, the crater is 2,870 feet (875 meters) in diameter and about 200 feet (60 meters) deep, with a prominent rim that rises around 60 feet (20 meters) above the surrounding desert. The impact that created Wolfe Creek Crater was caused by an iron meteorite estimated to weigh about 50,000 tons, which struck the Earth at a high velocity, creating the iconic circular depression that is visible today.
In addition to its geological appeal, Wolfe Creek Crater holds cultural importance to the local Djaru Aboriginal people, who refer to it as “Kandimalal.” According to Aboriginal legend, the crater was formed by the passage of a serpent, which created the circular depression as it emerged from the ground. This story highlights the deep spiritual connection the local people have with the site, and the crater has become a place where science and indigenous knowledge intertwine. Wolfe Creek Crater has also gained fame in popular culture, particularly after being featured in the 2005 Australian horror film Wolf Creek, bringing international attention to this extraordinary natural landmark.
View of the Wolfe Creek Crater in Australia.
2. Chicxulub Crater – Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico
The Chicxulub Crater, located beneath the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, is one of Earth’s most significant impact sites, famed for its role in a cataclysmic event around 66 million years ago that likely led to the extinction of nearly 75% of life on Earth, including the dinosaurs. Measuring about 93 miles (150 kilometers) in diameter and buried beneath layers of sediment, this massive crater was created by an asteroid or comet roughly 6-9 miles (10-15 kilometers) wide that slammed into Earth with unimaginable force. The impact released energy equivalent to billions of atomic bombs, creating a shockwave that devastated everything nearby and sent debris into the atmosphere, leading to drastic changes in the global climate.
What makes the Chicxulub crater particularly famous is its connection to the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) extinction event. Scientists believe the impact ejected enough dust, sulfur, and ash to darken the skies for years, blocking sunlight and triggering a rapid global cooling that disrupted ecosystems. This dramatic shift contributed to the extinction of the dinosaurs, paving the way for mammals—and eventually humans—to dominate Earth.
The crater is buried beneath layers of limestone, but its structure has been studied extensively through geophysical surveys and drilling projects. Evidence of "shocked quartz" (a type of deformed mineral created only under extreme pressures) and deposits of a rare mineral called iridium, often associated with extraterrestrial objects, have solidified its identity as a massive impact site. Chicxulub remains one of the most studied and intriguing geological sites on the planet, embodying both the destructive power of cosmic impacts and their profound influence on the history of life on Earth.
3. Barringer Crater - Winslow, Arizona
The Barringer Meteorite Crater, also known as Meteor Crater, is one of the best-preserved impact craters on Earth, located near Winslow in the Arizona desert. It was created approximately 50,000 years ago when a nickel-iron meteorite about 160 feet (50 meters) in diameter and weighing over 300,000 tons struck the ground at a speed of around 26,000 miles per hour (42,000 km/h). The resulting explosion released energy equivalent to about 10 megatons of TNT, carving out a crater 0.75 miles (1.2 kilometers) in diameter and 560 feet (170 meters) deep.
The Barriger Crater in Arizona
What makes Barringer Crater particularly famous is its role as the first recognized impact crater on Earth, setting a milestone in the study of planetary geology. In the early 20th century, mining engineer Daniel Barringer proposed that the crater was formed by a meteorite impact rather than volcanic activity, which was the prevailing belief at the time. His theory marked a turning point in understanding extraterrestrial impacts on Earth. Later studies confirmed Barringer’s hypothesis, and the site was named in his honor.
Today, Meteor Crater is an iconic landmark and a valuable research site for scientists studying impact dynamics. Its excellent preservation allows researchers to observe the characteristics of a fresh impact site, from shock-metamorphosed rock to fragmented meteorite remnants scattered around the crater. Its accessibility and dramatic landscape make it a popular destination, captivating visitors with its scale and its story as a testament to the Earth’s vulnerability to cosmic forces.
4. Vredefort Crater – South Africa
The Vredefort Crater in the Free State province of South Africa is the largest confirmed impact structure on Earth, with an original diameter of roughly 190 miles (300 kilometers). Formed over 2 billion years ago during the Paleoproterozoic era, it was created by an asteroid or comet impact estimated to have been 6-9 miles (10-15 kilometers) wide. This ancient collision released energy so vast that it deformed the surrounding landscape, uplifting rock from deep within Earth’s crust and leaving behind concentric rings that are still visible in parts of the region today.
What makes the Vredefort Crater famous is its remarkable age and scale, offering scientists insight into both early Earth processes and the effects of large-scale impacts on planetary geology. The crater is considered one of the oldest and most deeply eroded impact sites, and its structure has provided valuable information on how large impacts can shape and alter Earth’s crust. Today, it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and serves as a natural laboratory for studying ancient impact events and their influence on geological formations.
The Vredefort impact likely had massive repercussions, contributing to significant changes in the atmosphere and potentially influencing early life on Earth. Its unique geology, with rocks that have been altered by intense heat and pressure, allows geologists to examine impact-related transformations such as “shocked quartz” and other metamorphosed minerals. The Vredefort Crater stands as a testament to the planet’s dynamic history, preserving a record of one of the most powerful impacts in Earth’s geological timeline.
5. Nördlinger Ries - Germany
The Nördlinger Ries is a well-preserved meteorite impact crater located in southern Germany, near the towns of Nördlingen and Ries. Formed approximately 14.8 million years ago during the Miocene epoch, it spans about 15 miles (24 kilometers) in diameter, with a distinct circular depression that remains visible today. The crater was created by a massive asteroid or comet impact, with an estimated size of about 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) in diameter, releasing energy comparable to millions of atomic bombs. Its central uplift and surrounding ring structures are characteristic of large impact craters, and the area has become a geological treasure trove for studying impact-related formations.
What makes the Nördlinger Ries crater particularly famous is its accessibility and preservation, allowing scientists and visitors alike to observe impact-induced geological features up close. Unique rock formations, such as "suevite" (a type of brecciated rock created by the impact’s intense heat and pressure), are found throughout the region. Additionally, the town of Nördlingen, which lies within the crater, is built from stones containing microdiamonds, formed during the impact when extreme heat and pressure acted on carbon-bearing rocks.
Moldavite, a green tektite created by the impact at Nördlinger Rie.
One fascinating material associated with the Nördlinger Ries impact is moldavite, a rare greenish, glassy tektite. Moldavite was created when the impact ejected molten material into the atmosphere, which then cooled and fell back to Earth over a wide area, particularly in what is now the Czech Republic. Unlike most impactites, moldavite is prized for its aesthetic and gem-like qualities, and it is often used in jewelry. Its unique origin as an extraterrestrial impact byproduct has made moldavite a popular item for collectors and enthusiasts, as well as a subject of scientific interest due to its unusual formation process.
6. Haviland Crater - Brenham, Kansas
The Haviland Crater, also known as the Brenham Crater, is a small yet notable meteorite impact site located near Haviland, Kansas, in the United States. Measuring roughly 50 feet (15 meters) in diameter, it is one of the few recognized impact craters in the U.S. formed by a meteorite impact. This crater was created by the Brenham pallasite meteorite. Although the exact age of the impact is uncertain, it is believed to be relatively young compared to many larger, older craters worldwide.
Haviland Crater is famous largely for the extraordinary meteorite fragments that have been discovered in the surrounding area. Some of the meteorite pieces unearthed here, known as the Brenham meteorites, include sizable specimens with well-preserved crystalline structures, prized by collectors and scientists alike. In particular, the Brenham pallasite, a rare type of stony-iron meteorite with beautiful olivine (peridot) crystals embedded in an iron-nickel matrix, has attracted significant attention for its rarity and aesthetic qualities. These discoveries have made Haviland a popular destination for meteorite hunters and enthusiasts, as well as a valuable site for studying pallasite meteorites.
7. Manicouagan Crater – Quebec, Canada
The Manicouagan Crater, located in Quebec, Canada, is one of Earth’s largest and oldest preserved impact craters, formed approximately 215 million years ago during the Late Triassic period. With a diameter of about 62 miles (100 kilometers), the crater is partially flooded, forming a distinctive ring-shaped lake, known as the Manicouagan Reservoir or "Eye of Quebec," that is visible from space. The impact that created Manicouagan was caused by an asteroid estimated to be over 3 miles (5 kilometers) wide, releasing energy on a massive scale and leaving behind one of the most prominent impact structures on Earth.
The Manicouagan Crater as seen from space.
What makes the Manicouagan Crater famous is its exceptional preservation and striking circular lake that accentuates the crater’s boundaries, making it one of the most identifiable impact sites on satellite imagery. This preservation is unusual for such an old crater, and it provides scientists with a rare opportunity to study the long-term effects of a large impact on Earth's crust. Additionally, the central uplift within the crater, Mount Babel, rises like an island within the lake, representing rock pushed upward from deep within the Earth by the force of the impact.
Geologists and researchers are particularly interested in the Manicouagan Crater because of its association with other craters formed around the same period, suggesting a possible impact event involving multiple meteorites. This event may have had significant environmental effects, potentially influencing the global ecosystem at the time. The crater’s unique structure and history continue to make it a site of scientific exploration, offering insights into impact dynamics, geological formations, and the impact history of Earth.
8. Aorounga Crater – Chad
The Aorounga Crater is a well-preserved impact structure located in the Sahara Desert in northern Chad. It is estimated to be around 345 million years old, dating back to the Carboniferous period. The main crater is about 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) in diameter, with an intriguing set of concentric rings that have led scientists to speculate about the possibility of multiple impacts or post-impact geological processes that created layered rings around the main impact site.
What makes the Aorounga Crater famous is its distinct ringed pattern and remote location in the Sahara Desert, where the arid climate has preserved its structure. Satellite imagery has been crucial in identifying the crater and its features, as the crater's rings are particularly visible from space. The remote and dry location of Aorounga means it has remained relatively untouched by erosion and human activity, allowing scientists to study it in a largely unaltered state.
A rendering of Aorounga crater using digital elevation mapping.
9. Gosses Bluff (Tnorala) – Northern Territory, Australia
Gosses Bluff Crater, also known as Tnorala, is a striking meteorite impact crater located in the Northern Territory of Australia. Formed around 142 million years ago during the Jurassic period, the crater originally had an estimated diameter of about 14 miles (22 kilometers). Today, due to erosion, the visible portion of the crater is about 3 miles (5 kilometers) across, consisting of rugged hills and ridges that form an impressive ring-like structure, which is the central uplift from the impact. Gosses Bluff holds significant cultural value for the Western Arrernte Aboriginal people, who refer to it as Tnorala. According to Aboriginal legend, the crater marks the site where a celestial baby fell to Earth during a dance of ancestral beings, creating the ring of hills.
10. Kara Crater – Russia
The Kara Crater is an ancient meteorite impact structure located in the northern region of Russia, near the Kara Sea. Estimated to be around 70 million years old, dating back to the Late Cretaceous period, the Kara Crater originally had a diameter of roughly 40 miles (65 kilometers). However, due to extensive erosion over millions of years and the region’s harsh, icy climate, much of its structure is now obscured. The impact was caused by a large asteroid or comet, and it likely contributed to significant geological changes in the area.
Kara Crater is famous for being one of the largest impact sites in Russia and is notable for its potential connection to another nearby structure, the Ust-Kara Crater. Some scientists believe these craters could be remnants of a dual impact event, where fragments of a large meteorite struck the Earth in close succession.
11. Lonar Crater – Maharashtra, India
The Lonar Crater, located in Maharashtra, India, is a unique impact crater formed around 52,000 ± 6,000 years ago. Measuring about 1.1 miles (1.8 kilometers) in diameter and 500 feet (150 meters) deep, it is one of the few known impact craters in the world to be formed in basalt rock, which originated from ancient volcanic activity in the Deccan Traps. This crater was created by a high-speed meteorite impact, which generated extreme temperatures and pressures that altered the basalt rock, producing distinctive geological features such as impact melt rock and shocked quartz.
View of the Lonar Crater, now a lake in India.
What makes Lonar Crater famous is not only its unique basaltic geology but also its two-layered, highly alkaline and saline lake that has developed within the crater’s bowl. The lake's unique chemistry has fostered an unusual ecosystem with extremophile microorganisms adapted to the lake’s harsh conditions. This makes Lonar Crater a valuable location for scientific research, as its conditions offer insights into life’s adaptability and the effects of impact events on volcanic landscapes.
Lonar Crater is also a significant cultural and historical site, surrounded by ancient temples that date back hundreds of years and are decorated with inscriptions and carvings. This mix of natural, scientific, and historical interest has made Lonar Crater a popular destination for researchers, ecologists, geologists, and tourists, as well as a source of fascination for those intrigued by extraterrestrial impacts and unique ecosystems.
12. Gebel Kamil Crater – Egypt
The Gebel Kamil Crater, located in a remote area of Egypt’s Western Desert, near the Sudanese border, is an exceptionally well-preserved meteorite impact site with a diameter of approximately 148 feet (45 meters) and a depth of 52 feet (16 meters). Formed around 5,000 years ago, it was created by a small iron meteorite that struck the Earth at a high velocity. The impact was powerful enough to form a nearly perfect circular crater with sharp, raised rims, making it one of the best-preserved small impact craters in the world.
What makes Gebel Kamil Crater particularly famous is its abundance of iron meteorite fragments, scattered in and around the crater, many of which are still largely intact. This is unusual, as most impact craters have few remaining meteorite fragments, either due to erosion or other geological processes. At Gebel Kamil, however, researchers discovered thousands of meteorite fragments, ranging from small pieces to larger chunks, all rich in iron and nickel.
A satellite image of the Gebel Kamil impact crater.
