Which is the largest known impact crater on Earth?
Quick Answer
The Vredefort crater in South Africa is the largest known impact crater on Earth. Its original diameter is estimated at about 250 to 300 kilometers.
The Full Story
The Vredefort crater in South Africa is the largest verified impact structure on Earth. It was created around 2.02 billion years ago by a massive asteroid impact, and its original crater diameter is estimated at roughly 250 to 300 kilometers. Much of the structure has been eroded over time, but its impact origin is still visible in the geology of the Vredefort Dome region. The crater is important because it gives scientists a glimpse into how major impact events can reshape Earth’s crust.
Key Facts
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