Vredefort impact structure

The Vredefort impact structure is one of the largest verified impact structures on Earth. The crater, which has since been eroded away, has been estimated at 170–300 kilometres (110–190 mi) across when it was formed. The remaining structure, comprising the deformed underlying bedrock, is located in present-day Free State province of South Africa. It is named after the town of Vredefort, which is near its centre. The structure's central uplift is known as the Vredefort Dome. The impact structure was formed during the Paleoproterozoic Era, 2,023 million (± 4 million) years ago. It is the second-oldest known impact structure on Earth, after Yarrabubba.

Vredefort impact structure
Vredefort Dome
Vredefort Dome (centre), with the Vaal river running across it; seen from space with the Operational Land Imager on Landsat 8, 27 June 2018
Impact crater/structure
ConfidenceConfirmed
Diameter170–300 km (110–190 mi) (estimated former crater diameter)
Age± 4 Ma
Orosirian, Paleoproterozoic
ExposedYes
DrilledYes
Location
Coordinates27°0′0″S 27°30′0″E
CountrySouth Africa
ProvinceFree State
Location of Vredefort impact structure
Official nameVredefort Dome
Includes
  1. Vredefort Dome core area
  2. The stromatolite/basal fault plane site
  3. The chocolate tablet breccia site
  4. The pseudotachylite (quarry) site
CriteriaNatural: (viii)
Reference1162
Inscription2005 (29th Session)
Area30,000 ha (120 sq mi)

In 2005, the Vredefort Dome was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites for its geologic interest.

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