Pilot
The Pilot crater is a substantial impact structure located in the Northwest Territories of Canada, near the Alberta border. It is characterized by Pilot Lake, a deep, pristine freshwater body that covers a significant portion of the crater floor and supports a recreational fishing industry.
Key Facts
- ›Located in the Northwest Territories, Canada, near Fort Smith.
- ›Diameter of the crater is 6 km (3.7 MI).
- ›Estimated age of 445 ± 2 million years, dating to the Upper Ordovician period.
- ›Contains Pilot Lake, a freshwater lake covering 43 km² (17 MI²).
- ›Pilot Lake has a maximum depth of 90 m (300 ft).
About Pilot
Pilot Crater
The Pilot crater is an impact structure situated in the Northwest Territories of Canada, positioned just north of the Alberta border and in proximity to Fort Smith. It measures 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) in diameter and is estimated to have formed approximately 445 ± 2 million years ago, during the Upper Ordovician geological period.
Key Features
The most prominent feature within the Pilot crater is Pilot Lake, a pristine freshwater lake that covers an area of 43 square kilometers (17 square miles). This lake is notably deep, reaching a maximum depth of 90 meters (300 feet).
Ecological and Economic Significance
Pilot Lake is known for its abundant fish populations, including lake trout, northern pike, whitefish, and pickerel. These resources support a summer market for recreational fishing, highlighting the crater's ecological and economic value.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Pilot crater located?
The Pilot crater is situated in the Northwest Territories of Canada, just north of the Alberta border and in proximity to Fort Smith.
How large is the Pilot crater?
The Pilot crater has an estimated diameter of 6 kilometers (3.7 miles).
What is the estimated age of the Pilot crater?
The age of the Pilot crater is estimated to be 445 ± 2 million years old, placing its formation in the Upper Ordovician period.
What geological features are found within the Pilot crater?
The crater contains Pilot Lake, a large and deep freshwater lake. The lake covers 43 square kilometers (17 square miles) and reaches a depth of 90 meters (300 feet).
Is the Pilot crater significant for any economic activity?
Yes, Pilot Lake within the crater supports a summer market for recreational fishing due to the abundance of fish such as lake trout, northern pike, whitefish, and pickerel.
Related Impact Craters
Haughton
The Haughton impact crater, located on Devon Island in far Northern Canada, is a significant geological site due to its well-preserved features resulting from its high-latitude, cold environment. Formed approximately 31-32 million years ago, it serves as a valuable terrestrial analogue for Martian impact craters, prompting extensive research by space exploration organizations.
Holleford
The Holleford Crater is a buried impact structure located near Holleford, Ontario, Canada. It was discovered in the 1950s through aerial photograph analysis and subsequent geophysical studies confirmed it as a meteorite impact crater, despite not being exposed on the surface. The crater is estimated to be 550 million years old and is a significant site for geological research.
Carswell
Carswell is a large impact structure located in northern Saskatchewan, Canada, with a diameter of approximately 39 kilometers. Estimated to be 115 million years old, it formed during the Lower Cretaceous period and is significantly exposed at the surface, making it a valuable site for geological study. The structure features a complex central peak with distinctive geological evidence of a high-energy impact event.