Tvaren
Tvären is a circular bay in Sweden that contains an ancient, buried impact crater. The crater, approximately 2 kilometers in diameter, was discovered using reflection seismology and is estimated to be around 455 million years old, dating back to the Late Ordovician period. An asteroid, 7771 Tvären, is named in honor of this geological feature.
Key Facts
- ›Located in a bay near Studsvik, Sweden.
- ›Diameter of the buried impact crater is approximately 2 kilometers.
- ›Estimated age of the crater is about 455 million years old.
- ›The impact event occurred during the Late Ordovician geological period.
- ›Discovered using reflection seismology.
- ›An asteroid, 7771 Tvären, is named after the bay.

About Tvaren
Tvären Impact Crater
Tvären is a circular bay located near Studsvik, Sweden, notable for concealing an ancient, buried impact crater. This geological feature, approximately 2 kilometers in diameter, was identified through the application of reflection seismology. Its estimated age of around 455 million years places the impact event firmly within the Late Ordovician period.
The discovery of the Tvären crater adds to the geological record of impact events on Earth. The bay itself, Tvären, serves as the namesake for the celestial body 7771 Tvären, an asteroid recognized in the astronomical catalog. While the crater is not visible on the surface due to burial, its detection highlights the effectiveness of geophysical methods in uncovering subterranean geological structures.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Tvären impact crater located?
The Tvären impact crater is located within a circular bay known as Tvären, situated close to Studsvik, Sweden. It is an ancient, buried feature within this bay.
How large is the Tvären impact crater?
The Tvären impact crater has an estimated diameter of about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles). It is a buried structure, meaning it is not readily visible on the surface.
How old is the Tvären impact crater?
The Tvären impact crater is estimated to be approximately 455 million years old. This age places the impact event during the Late Ordovician geological period.
How was the Tvären impact crater discovered?
The Tvären impact crater was first identified using reflection seismology. This geophysical method allowed scientists to detect the buried structure beneath the bay.
Is there anything named after the Tvären bay or crater?
Yes, an asteroid has been named after the bay. Asteroid 7771 Tvären is named in honor of this geological site.
Related Impact Craters
Jänisjärvi
Jänisjärvi is a lake in the Republic of Karelia, Russia, whose basin was formed by a meteorite impact approximately 700 million years ago. The impact created a circular crater with a diameter of 14 kilometers. It was once mistakenly identified as a volcanic caldera before its true impact origin was recognized.
Ouarkziz
Ouarkziz Crater is an impact structure located in northwestern Algeria, near the Moroccan border. This 3.5-kilometer diameter crater was formed by a meteor impact less than 70 million years ago, during the late Cretaceous Period. Despite significant erosion, its circular shape is still discernible, highlighting older sedimentary rock layers.
Glasford
The Glasford crater, also known as the Glasford Disturbance, is a buried impact structure located in southern Peoria County, Illinois. Discovered in 1963, it is one of only two known meteor craters in Illinois and is significant for its potential connection to the Great Ordovician Meteor Shower and its possible influence on Earth's climate.