Manicouagan Crater, Canada

Canada is rich in unique impact craters. The world famous Manicouagan crater is situated in Quebec. The diameter of the structure is 100 km. The crater was formed by an impact of the asteroid that could be up to 5 km large. The collision happened more than 200 million years ago. According to scientists, this disaster could lead to the complete extermination of Triassic-Jurassic animals.

During millions of years, erosion has being changing the crater shape considerably. Today, its apparent diameter is a little over 70 km. A picturesque lake formed there, which is an important local landmark. Manicouagan is the fifth largest crater in the world. Mount Babylon is considered to be the central peak of it. This amazing crater is perhaps one of the few in the world that was no doubt formed by a meteorite. Manicouagan has a very specific form, which fully confirms the version about Earth and a celestial body collision.

Many interesting facts appeared during studies of the place. Scientists from Canada and the United States suggest that the strike, which led to the formation of the crater, could be only one episode of a major series of impact events, which resulted in formation of smaller craters at the present territory of France, Ukraine and USA. Tourists who visit this iconic place will be able to see an amazing attraction, the ghost town of Gagnon. The industrial city was founded in the mid-20th century near the iron ore deposits, but it was quickly abandoned because of the unprofitable production. Next - Chicxulub Crater