Roter Kamm crater, Impact crater in Sperrgebiet, Namibia
Roter Kamm is an impact crater located within Sperrgebiet in the Namib Desert with a diameter of approximately 2.5 kilometers. The crater floor sits roughly 130 meters below the surrounding terrain and is partly filled with sand, while bedrock is exposed along many sections of the walls.
Scientists first identified the crater's meteorite origin in 1965. Extensive geological studies followed in 1986 and 1987, providing important findings about the formation and age of this structure.
The name Roter Kamm comes from German colonial times and refers to the reddish rocks visible along the crater's edges. Visitors can see this coloring clearly, especially when the sun is low and casts light across the stone walls.
Access to the crater requires special permits since it lies within Sperrgebiet, an area with restrictions due to diamond mining operations. Visitors should inquire about current access conditions and requirements before planning a visit.
The crater floor contains over 100 meters of sand accumulation, yet original rock formations break through the sand layer in many places. This mix of sand and exposed stone makes the crater's internal structure particularly interesting for visitors.
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