Top 10 Largest Active Craters

Located in Yemen, the Ocean of Fire Crater is approximately 74 km (46 miles) in diameter and 100 meters (330 feet) deep. It was formed around 15,000 years ago during a period of intense volcanic activity. The crater's name "Ocean of Fire" comes from the numerous volcanoes surrounding it, which were believed to be capable of unleashing massive fireballs. This crater is one of the largest in the world and has been largely inaccessible due to its remote location and lack of infrastructure.

Situated in Indonesia, the Toba Crater measures about 100 km (62 miles) in diameter and 200 meters (656 feet) deep. Its formation dates back around 74,000 years ago during a massive volcanic eruption that is believed to have caused a global cooling event. The crater's massive size has also been linked to its role in the origins of modern humans. Excavations at the site have uncovered evidence of ancient civilizations and vast lakes.

Located on Mars, the Colossal Crater measures approximately 1,500 km (932 miles) in diameter and is estimated to be around 2 billion years old. This enormous impact crater was formed by a massive asteroid or comet collision. The crater's size makes it one of the largest known on Mars, providing valuable insights into the Red Planet's geological history.

Situated in Russia, the Chelyabinsk Crater is about 20 km (12 miles) in diameter and 20 meters (66 feet) deep. Its formation dates back to around 5 million years ago during a period of rapid tectonic activity. The crater's size is impressive for its location, as it was formed by an impact caused by a piece of meteorite or asteroid.

Located in Mexico, the Chicxulub Crater measures approximately 180 km (112 miles) in diameter and 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) deep. Its formation occurred around 66 million years ago during the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event that led to the demise of dinosaurs. This impact crater is widely considered a major cause of this mass extinction.

Situated in South Africa, the Vredefort Crater measures about 300 km (186 miles) in diameter and 15 kilometers (9 miles) deep. Its formation occurred around 2 billion years ago during a massive impact caused by an asteroid or comet collision. The crater's size makes it one of the largest known on Earth.

Located in Russia, the Popigai Crater is approximately 120 km (75 miles) in diameter and 20 meters (66 feet) deep. Its formation dates back to around 36 million years ago during a period of rapid tectonic activity. The crater's size is impressive for its location, as it was formed by an impact caused by a piece of meteorite or asteroid.

Situated in Quebec, Canada, the Manicouagan Crater measures about 70 km (43 miles) in diameter and 100 meters (330 feet) deep. Its formation occurred around 215 million years ago during the Triassic period, likely caused by an asteroid impact. The crater's size is significant, providing valuable insights into Earth's geological history.

Located in Canada, the Sudbury Basin Crater measures approximately 250 km (155 miles) in diameter and 500 meters (1,640 feet) deep. Its formation dates back to around 1.85 billion years ago during a period of intense tectonic activity. The crater's size makes it one of the largest known impact craters on Earth.

Situated in Australia, the Acraman Crater measures about 85 km (53 miles) in diameter and 200 meters (656 feet) deep. Its formation occurred around 590 million years ago during the Ediacaran period, likely caused by an asteroid impact. The crater's size is significant, providing valuable insights into Earth's geological history.