Vredefort crater, Impact crater and UNESCO World Heritage Site in Free State, South Africa
The crater spans 250 kilometers in diameter, displaying concentric rock formations, upturned geological layers, and transformed mineral structures across its expanse.
The crater formed 2 billion years ago when an asteroid measuring between 5 and 10 kilometers struck Earth at a velocity of 20 kilometers per second.
The crater region contains numerous archaeological sites with evidence of early human settlements, providing insights into ancient South African civilizations.
Visitors access the site through the towns of Parys and Vredefort, where guided tours explain geological features along marked hiking trails.
The granite core of the crater reveals exposed rock layers that document one-third of Earth's geological history, including formations containing substantial gold deposits.
Location: Free State
Location: North West
GPS coordinates: -27.00000,27.50000
Latest update: May 27, 2025 20:46
Meteorite craters mark locations where asteroids collided with Earth. These geological structures range from 110 meters to 300 kilometers in diameter. They often contain distinct minerals like diamonds, nickel, and copper. Scientists use the craters to study Earth's history and cosmic events.
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