Researchers Discover a Huge Concealed Crater in China That Alters Understanding of Earth’s Recent Past

Scientists have made a significant discovery in Guangdong Province, China, unveiling the Jinlin crater, which spans approximately 900 meters in diameter. This crater is the largest known impact structure from the Holocene epoch, surpassing the previously recognized Macha crater in Russia, which measures 300 meters. The Jinlin crater’s impressive preservation is notable given the region’s high erosion rates caused by heavy rainfall and monsoons. Researchers attribute its survival to its formation within a robust layer of weathered granite, which has protected it from rapid erosion.

Inside the crater, scientists identified quartz grains with planar deformation features, structures that indicate intense shock waves from a meteorite impact, confirming the crater’s extraterrestrial origin. The discovery provides crucial insights into Earth’s impact history, particularly in areas with significant erosion where such features are often destroyed. The well-preserved state of the Jinlin crater allows for detailed studies of the geological effects of meteorite impacts, contributing to a better understanding of how these events have influenced the planet’s surface.

This findings, published in the journal “Matter and Radiation at Extremes,” emphasize the dynamic nature of Earth’s geology and the ongoing processes shaping its landscape. The research team, consisting of scientists from Shanghai and Guangzhou, highlights the importance of further geological exploration to uncover hidden aspects of Earth’s history. As ongoing studies of the Jinlin crater continue, they are expected to provide greater insights into the frequency and impact of meteorite collisions, enriching our comprehension of Earth’s geological evolution and its history of extraterrestrial interactions.