Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Geology, Palaeontology & Archaeology => Topic started by: marbor on 04/04/2011 10:33:27

Title: Have i found an 11km meteor crater?
Post by: marbor on 04/04/2011 10:33:27

Guys,

I think I have found a meteor crater in google earth! I can find no references for it. Have a look, and tell me what you think.
  0°34'15.29"S ,  34° 9'27.28"E
I pinched an image off google maps to show the terrain... hope this is ok... [ Invalid Attachment ]

Title: Have i found an 11km meteor crater?
Post by: frethack on 04/04/2011 18:34:21

I can see what might be interpreted as a crater rim and a central peak, but there are also other extensions running off of the "rim" that do not fit with an interpretation of an impact crater.  Also, the orography appears to be uplifted rather than excavated.

It is within the African Rift Valley, and a more likely explanation is that it is the remnant of an ancient caldera.  Good eye though.

Title: Have i found an 11km meteor crater?
Post by: JimBob on 04/04/2011 20:59:11

Agreed - volcanic in orogin. (that is a pun)