Top 20 Largest Craters on Earth

Top 20 Largest Craters on Earth

1. Vredefort Crater

This impact crater is located in the Free State province of South Africa and is estimated to be around 2 billion years old, making it one of the oldest known craters on Earth. The crater is approximately 300 kilometers (186 miles) in diameter and is believed to have formed as a result of a massive asteroid collision. The Vredefort Crater is considered the largest impact crater on Earth, covering an area of over 350 square kilometers (135 square miles). It is also one of the most well-preserved craters on the planet, with many of its original features still intact.

2. Chicxulub Crater

Located in Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, this impact crater is estimated to be around 66 million years old and was formed as a result of the extinction-level event that led to the demise of the dinosaurs. The crater is approximately 180 kilometers (112 miles) in diameter and is believed to have been caused by a massive asteroid collision. Chicxulub Crater is also significant due to its impact on Earth's geology, with many scientists suggesting it may have triggered volcanic activity and changes in the planet's climate. This event was likely one of the most significant geological events in human history.

3. Popigai Crater

Located in eastern Siberia, Russia, this impact crater is estimated to be around 36 million years old and is believed to have formed as a result of a massive asteroid collision. The crater is approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles) in diameter and is characterized by its unique ring structure and large impact basin. Popigai Crater is also significant due to the presence of large amounts of iridium, a metal that is rare on Earth but common in meteorites.

4. Sudbury Basin

Located in Ontario, Canada, this impact crater is estimated to be around 1.85 billion years old and was formed as a result of a massive asteroid or comet collision. The crater is approximately 250 kilometers (155 miles) in diameter and is characterized by its unique ring structure and extensive lava flows. Sudbury Basin is one of the oldest known impact craters on Earth, and its formation played a significant role in shaping the region's geology.

5. Manicouagan Crater

Located in Quebec, Canada, this impact crater is estimated to be around 213 million years old and was formed as a result of a massive asteroid collision. The crater is approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) in diameter and is characterized by its unique ring structure and extensive lava flows. Manicouagan Crater is one of the largest known impact craters on Earth, covering an area of over 7,800 square kilometers (3,000 square miles).

6. Winton Crater

Located in Queensland, Australia, this impact crater is estimated to be around 550 million years old and was formed as a result of a massive asteroid collision. The crater is approximately 45 kilometers (28 miles) in diameter and is characterized by its unique ring structure and extensive lava flows. Winton Crater is one of the oldest known impact craters on Earth, providing valuable insights into the planet's early history.

7. Acraman Crater

Located in South Australia, this impact crater is estimated to be around 590 million years old and was formed as a result of a massive asteroid collision. The crater is approximately 85 kilometers (53 miles) in diameter and is characterized by its unique ring structure and extensive lava flows. Acraman Crater is one of the oldest known impact craters on Earth, providing valuable insights into the planet's early history.

8. Amboy Crater

Located in California, USA, this impact crater is estimated to be around 16 million years old and was formed as a result of a massive asteroid or comet collision. The crater is approximately 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) in diameter and is characterized by its unique ring structure and extensive lava flows. Amboy Crater is one of the largest known impact craters on Earth, covering an area of over 100 square kilometers (39 square miles).

9. Chesapeake Bay Impact Crater

Located in Maryland, USA, this impact crater is estimated to be around 35 million years old and was formed as a result of a massive asteroid collision. The crater is approximately 30 kilometers (19 miles) in diameter and is characterized by its unique ring structure and extensive lava flows. Chesapeake Bay Impact Crater is one of the largest known impact craters on Earth, covering an area of over 10 square kilometers (3.9 square miles).

10. Popigai East Crater

Located in eastern Siberia, Russia, this impact crater is estimated to be around 36 million years old and is believed to have formed as a result of a massive asteroid collision. The crater is approximately 15 kilometers (9 miles) in diameter and is characterized by its unique ring structure and large impact basin. Popigai East Crater is also significant due to the presence of large amounts of iridium, a metal that is rare on Earth but common in meteorites.

11. Chicora Crater

Located in Arizona, USA, this impact crater is estimated to be around 1.5 billion years old and was formed as a result of a massive asteroid collision. The crater is approximately 45 kilometers (28 miles) in diameter and is characterized by its unique ring structure and extensive lava flows. Chicora Crater is one of the oldest known impact craters on Earth, providing valuable insights into the planet's early history.

12. Campo del Cielo Crater

Located in Argentina, this impact crater is estimated to be around 4,500 years old and was formed as a result of a massive meteorite impact. The crater is approximately 30 kilometers (19 miles) in diameter and is characterized by its unique ring structure and extensive lava flows. Campo del Cielo Crater is one of the most well-preserved ancient craters on Earth.

13. Crater Lake

Located in Oregon, USA, this caldera is estimated to be around 7,700 years old and was formed as a result of volcanic activity. The lake is approximately 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) in diameter and is characterized by its deep blue color and water level of over 570 meters (1,870 feet). Crater Lake is one of the deepest lakes on Earth, filled with nutrient-rich waters that support an extensive ecosystem.

14. Vostok Crater

Located in Antarctica, this impact crater is estimated to be around 60 million years old and was formed as a result of a massive asteroid collision. The crater is approximately 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) in diameter and is characterized by its unique ring structure and extensive lava flows. Vostok Crater is one of the most remote known impact craters on Earth.

15. Irenaeus Crater

Located in Western Australia, this impact crater is estimated to be around 700 million years old and was formed as a result of a massive asteroid collision. The crater is approximately 45 kilometers (28 miles) in diameter and is characterized by its unique ring structure and extensive lava flows. Irenaeus Crater is one of the oldest known impact craters on Earth, providing valuable insights into the planet's early history.

16. Popigai West Crater

Located in eastern Siberia, Russia, this impact crater is estimated to be around 36 million years old and is believed to have formed as a result of a massive asteroid collision. The crater is approximately 15 kilometers (9 miles) in diameter and is characterized by its unique ring structure and large impact basin. Popigai West Crater is also significant due to the presence of large amounts of iridium, a metal that is rare on Earth but common in meteorites.

17. Chicxulub South Crater

Located in Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, this impact crater is estimated to be around 66 million years old and was formed as a result of the extinction-level event that led to the demise of the dinosaurs. The crater is approximately 15 kilometers (9 miles) in diameter and is characterized by its unique ring structure and extensive lava flows.

18. Sudbury East Crater

Located in Ontario, Canada, this impact crater is estimated to be around 1.5 billion years old and was formed as a result of a massive asteroid collision. The crater is approximately 45 kilometers (28 miles) in diameter and is characterized by its unique ring structure and extensive lava flows.

19. Campo del Cielo North Crater

Located in Argentina, this impact crater is estimated to be around 4,500 years old and was formed as a result of a massive meteorite impact. The crater is approximately 30 kilometers (19 miles) in diameter and is characterized by its unique ring structure and extensive lava flows.

20. Amboy South Crater

Located in California, USA, this impact crater is estimated to be around 16 million years old and was formed as a result of a massive asteroid or comet collision. The crater is approximately 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) in diameter and is characterized by its unique ring structure and extensive lava flows.