Natural
Dôme de Vredefort
Afrique du Sud
Photo : Francesco Bandarin (CC BY-SA 3.0 igo)
Located in South Africa, this geological formation represents one of the oldest and largest impact structures on Earth, resulting from a meteorite collision. The site is characterized by its distinctive dome structure, which was created by the intense pressure and heat generated at the moment of impact, followed by subsequent erosion that exposed the underlying rock layers. The dome's concentric rings and uplifted geological formations provide crucial evidence for understanding the dynamics of large-scale cosmic impacts and their effects on the Earth's crust. Visually, the landscape displays a series of elevated ridges and valleys that reveal different rock strata, offering a natural cross-section of the planet's subsurface. The site's inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage site reflects its exceptional scientific value as a natural laboratory for studying impact crater geology and the history of planetary bombardment. The Vredefort Dome remains an important location for geological research and education, contributing significantly to our understanding of extraterrestrial impacts on Earth's evolution.
