The 7 Most Impressive Impact Craters On Earth

7. Sudbury Basin, Ontario, Canada: A Wealth of Impact

The Sudbury Basin in Ontario, Canada, is one of the oldest and largest known impact structures on Earth, formed about 1.85 billion years ago by a bolide estimated to be 10-15 kilometers (6-9 miles) in diameter. The original crater is thought to have been over 200 kilometers (120 miles) across. While significantly deformed and eroded over geological time, the remaining structure is immensely important, not just geologically, but economically. The impact event is linked to the formation of vast nickel and copper ore deposits, making the Sudbury area one of the world's leading mining regions.

These seven craters, each with its own dramatic story and unique characteristics, offer profound insights into the dynamic and sometimes violent interplay between Earth and the cosmos. From the world-altering Chicxulub event to the stark beauty of well-preserved bowls like Meteor Crater, these terrestrial scars remind us of the immense energies that shape planets and the ongoing cosmic processes that continue to influence our world. Exploring them, whether in person or through the lens of science, connects us to a deeper understanding of Earth's history and our place within a vast and active universe.