SUMMARY
The oldest impact crater on Earth has been discovered in Western Greenland, formed approximately 3 billion years ago by a meteorite measuring 19 miles (30 kilometers) in diameter. This crater is significant due to its immense size, which, if oriented vertically, would extend to 62 miles (100 kilometers) above Earth. The region contains deposits of nickel (Ni) and platinum (Pt), raising questions about potential connections to the Sudbury crater in Ontario, which is estimated to be around 2 billion years old. This discovery highlights the possibility that valuable metals may originate from meteorite impacts.
PREREQUISITES
- Understanding of impact cratering processes
- Familiarity with geological time scales
- Knowledge of mineral deposits, specifically nickel and platinum
- Basic concepts of planetary geology
NEXT STEPS
- Research the geological significance of the Sudbury impact crater
- Explore the relationship between meteorite impacts and mineral deposits
- Study the methods used to date impact craters
- Investigate the implications of large meteorite impacts on Earth's biosphere
USEFUL FOR
Geologists, planetary scientists, mineralogists, and anyone interested in the origins of valuable metals and the effects of meteorite impacts on Earth.