Deniliquin multiple-ring feature
| Deniliquin New South Wales | |
|---|---|
  Deniliquin | |
| Coordinates | 35°32′0″S 144°58′0″E / 35.53333°S 144.96667°E |
The Deniliquin multiple-ring feature is a distinct deeply buried structure in southeast Australia. It is named after the town of Deniliquin. Its characteristics suggest that it is associated with an asteroid impact structure of diameter 520 km (320 mi), which would make it the largest one on Earth, exceeding the largest known one, the Vredefort impact structure of about 300 km (190 mi) in diameter.[1][2]
Description
It is located beneath the
Dating
Its age is estimated between 514±5 Ma and 427–417 Ma.[3] It was likely located in eastern Gondwana before it split off Australia.[1] Glikson suggests that it could have triggered the c. 1.4 million years-long Late Ordovician (Hirnantian) glaciation and the corresponding mass extinction event (445.2 and 443.8 Ma), which eliminated about 85% of species.[2]
See also
- List of impact craters on Earth
References
- ^ a b c d Glikson, Andrew (9 August 2023). "New evidence suggests the world's largest known asteroid impact structure is buried deep in southeast Australia". The Conversation. Archived from the original on 21 August 2023. Retrieved 21 August 2023. (also republished in Australian Geographic, August 16, 2023 )
- ^ . Retrieved 25 May 2023.
- ^ . Retrieved 25 August 2023.