Aouelloul crater
Aouelloul crater is located in Mauritania
Aouelloul crater
Impact crater/structure
ConfidenceConfirmed
Diameter390 metres (1,280 ft)
Age3.1 ± 0.3 Ma
CountryMauritania

Aouelloul is an impact crater in Mauritania.[1] It is located in the Akchar Desert, part of the Sahara Desert, approximately 50 kilometres (31 mi) southeast of Atar.[2]

The crater is exposed, 390 metres (1,280 ft) wide and roughly circular. The rim rises up to 53 metres (174 ft) above the bottom of the crater. Sediments in the crater are approximately 23 metres (75 ft) thick. Its age is estimated to be 3.1 ± 0.3 million years (Pliocene).

Tektite is found around the crater, although very few meteorites have been found. Zerga meteorite was found in 1973 at the bottom of the crater, but scientists are unsure if it is the same meteorite (or even a part of it) that formed the crater.

References

  1. ^ "Aouelloul". Earth Impact Database. Planetary and Space Science Centre University of New Brunswick Fredericton. Retrieved 2009-08-12.
  2. ^ "Aouelloul crater | Wondermondo". www.wondermondo.com. Retrieved 2017-04-10.

[1]20°14′28″N 12°40′30″W / 20.24111°N 12.67500°W / 20.24111; -12.67500


  1. ^ "Aouelloul crater | Wondermondo". www.wondermondo.com. Retrieved 2017-04-10.
Categories