Connolly Basin
Connolly Basin is a 9 km-diameter impact crater situated in the remote Gibson Desert of central Western Australia. Initially mistaken for a diapir, its impact origin was identified in 1985. The crater features a distinct topographic rim and a central uplift exposing deformed bedrock, with surrounding sedimentary rocks dating from the Early Cretaceous to Paleogene and uplifted central rocks likely from the Early Permian.
Key Facts
About Connolly Basin
Connolly Basin is a significant impact crater located in the vast and remote Gibson Desert of central Western Australia. With a diameter of 9 kilometers, it presents a notable geological feature within the Australian landscape. Its remote location, adjacent to the Talawana Track, makes it difficult to access, contributing to its relative obscurity despite its geological importance.
Description and Discovery
The structure of Connolly Basin is characteristic of a complex impact crater. It possesses a distinct topographic rim, rising 25–30 meters above the surrounding terrain. At its center, a subtle circular rise, approximately 1 kilometer in diameter and 5 meters high, exposes strongly deformed and steeply dipping bedrock. This central uplift is interpreted as a hallmark of significant impact events. The sedimentary rocks forming the rim of the crater date from the Early Cretaceous to the Paleogene periods. The uplifted rocks in the center are believed to be from the Early Permian, all belonging to the broader Canning Basin geological province. The impact event itself is inferred to have occurred during the Paleocene (early Paleogene) epoch or later. Connolly Basin was initially misidentified as a diapir, or salt dome, but its true nature as an impact crater was first proposed in 1985, marking a turning point in its scientific understanding.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Connolly Basin located?
Connolly Basin is located in the Gibson Desert of central Western Australia. It is situated adjacent to the Talawana Track, approximately 45 km west of Windy Corner.
What is the size of Connolly Basin?
Connolly Basin has a diameter of 9 km. The topographic rim stands 25-30 meters high, and the central uplift is about 1 km in diameter and 5 meters high.
When was Connolly Basin discovered to be an impact crater?
The impact origin of Connolly Basin was first proposed in 1985. Before this, it was mistakenly believed to be a diapir, or salt dome.
What is the age of the Connolly Basin impact?
The impact event that formed Connolly Basin is inferred to be of Paleocene (early Paleogene) age or later. The surrounding sedimentary rocks are from the Early Cretaceous to Paleogene.
What are the geological features of Connolly Basin?
Connolly Basin features a well-defined topographic rim and a central circular rise. This central uplift exposes strongly deformed and steeply dipping bedrock, characteristic of impact structures.
Related Impact Craters
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Marquez
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