Kgagodi
Botswana·Late Cretaceous to early Tertiary·meteorite·simple, bowl-shaped
Kgagodi is an exposed meteorite impact crater located in Central Botswana, south of the village of Kgagodi. It is notable as the first impact structure identified in the Kalahari Desert region of southern Africa. The crater is a simple, bowl-shaped formation with a diameter of 3.5 km, though it is buried beneath sediments and lacks significant surface expression.
Key Facts
- ›Diameter: 3.5 km
- ›Estimated age: Late Cretaceous to early Tertiary period
- ›Location: Central Botswana, south of the village of Kgagodi
- ›Discovery: First brought to attention in 1997
- ›Morphology: Simple, bowl-shaped structure
- ›Significance: First impact structure recognized in the Kalahari Desert
About Kgagodi
Kgagodi Impact Crater
Kgagodi is an exposed meteorite impact crater located in Central Botswana, south of the village of Kgagodi. It holds significance as the first impact structure to be identified within the Kalahari Desert region of southern Africa. The crater is characterized as a simple, bowl-shaped formation with a diameter of approximately 3.5 kilometers.
Discovery and Recognition
The site first drew attention in 1997 when a water-drilling expedition uncovered an elliptical structure filled with sediment. Subsequent drilling by the Geological Survey of Botswana yielded a core sample that suggested an impact origin. The discovery of impact breccia later confirmed Kgagodi as a genuine impact crater.
Structure and Formation
The crater measures about 3.5 km in diameter and is estimated to have formed during the late Cretaceous to early Tertiary period. It is a simple, bowl-shaped structure that is buried beneath sediments, lacking any distinct surface features. Its formation involved the generation of shockwaves from extreme pressures that penetrated the target material. Analysis of aeromagnetic data has revealed a smooth magnetic signature over the basin, indicative of younger sediment fill, and has identified two intersecting lineaments. Geological interpretations suggest the basin might be situated at the intersection of two fault lines, with the shallow basin fill composed of low-resistive materials potentially corresponding to saturated sediments, hinting at good groundwater potential.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Kgagodi impact crater located?
The Kgagodi impact crater is situated in Central Botswana, specifically south of the village of Kgagodi. It is considered the first impact structure to be recognized within the Kalahari Desert region of southern Africa.
When was the Kgagodi impact crater discovered?
The Kgagodi impact crater first came to scientific attention in 1997. This occurred when a water-drilling expedition encountered an elliptical-shaped structure filled with sediment.
What is the size of the Kgagodi impact crater?
The Kgagodi impact crater has an estimated diameter of 3.5 kilometers (2.2 miles). It is described as a simple, bowl-shaped structure.
What is the estimated age of the Kgagodi impact crater?
The formation of the Kgagodi impact crater is estimated to have occurred between the late Cretaceous and early Tertiary periods. This places the impact event in a significant geological timeframe.
Is the Kgagodi impact crater visible on the surface?
No, the Kgagodi impact crater lacks a prominent surface expression. It is buried beneath sediments, making it not clearly visible on the Earth's surface.
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