It Came from Outer Space!

Today’s RoadStop is dedicated to some of Earth’s greatest craters.

In 1999, South African geologists identified the world’s largest impact crater to be located in the central Free State province.  The Vredefort crater measures between 150 and 190 miles in diameter and was once thought to be of volcanic origin.  Recently, geologists have discovered that the crater was created by either an asteroid or comet.  On top of being the largest crater, it has also been deemed the oldest crater, with an estimated age of 2.1 billion years.

Since South Africa is a little far to travel and this is US RoadStops, here some local craters that you might be worth a trip.

The Manson Impact Structure can be found in Iowa, 80 miles northwest of Des Moines and is believed to be a major factor in the extinction of life, including dinosaurs.  In comparison with the South African crater, this one is relatively young at the estimated age of 74 million years.

There is also a huge meteor crater located in Diablo Canyon, Arizona, measuring 700 feet deep and 4000 feet across.  This crater has a great visitor’s center and is well worth the trip.  More information can be found at http://www.meteorcrater.com.

Fortunately most of the largest craters are found in outer space, which makes visiting them a little difficult .  .  .  maybe one day!

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