France also has craters that deserve attention of those fond of unusual excursions. The most famous among them is the Rochechouart crater. The region of the same name began to attract the attention of scientists in the late 18th century. People showed interest to the obscure rocky formation, which was actively mined. That mine was used for the construction of castles. One of these castles, Rochechouart, has preserved to this day.
A few hundred years ago, scientists came to the conclusion that the unusual rocky structure is the result of the eruption of an ancient volcano. Only recently, scientists were able to prove that the studied area is a real meteorite crater and an unusual bowl is the result of an incredibly strong explosion that was accompanied by an enormous increase in temperature.
First, the theory of a meteorite has been proven in 1969. Back then, the geologist Francois Kraut was engaged in the study of the Rochechouart crater. According to his research, a celestial body has collided with the Earth about 214 million years ago. The initial diameter of the structure was about 23 km. Currently, crater borders are subtle. Today, it's almost impossible to find a molten rocky mine, which indicates that an asteroid has caused the catastrophe. It was almost completely exhausted by the beginning of the 20th century and went on to build castles and houses of locals.
Next - Kara Crater
Steinheimer Becken, Germany
Kara Crater, Russia
Useful staff nearby
Car rental office: 'Concession Renaut Saint Junien Automobiles' is located in 13 km (
on the map).
Fuel station: 'Station Total Mounier Rochechouart' in 3.42 km
Supermarket: 'Coop Atlantique' in 3.01 km
Parking: 'Garage Espace Auto 16' in 22 km
Apotheek: 'Pharmacie Meynard' in 3.03 km
Police station: 'Police Nationale' in 36 km
Cafe/restaurant: 'Parquei Pai' in 2.5 km
Railway station: 'S.n.c.f.' in 25 km
Nearest airports:
» Bellegarde Airport LIG - in 31 km
» Brie Champniers Airport ANG - in 44 km
» Perigueux Bassillac Airport PGX - in 69 km
» Parvaud Airport CNG - in 87 km
» Brive - La Roche Airport BVE - in 92 km