GSI, INTACH scientists claim Ramgarh Crater caused by meteorite impact
Since the 19th century, Ramgarh Crater has always evoked the interest of geologists and now a team of scientists is in Rajasthan's Baran district and they have a reason to believe that it was caused by meteorite impact. It was first discovered by the Geological Survey of India in 1869. In 1960, it was recognized as a '"Crater" by the Geological Society of London.
Crater has a diameter of 3.2 km
The 3.2km-wide Ramgarh Crater has an elevation of over 200m above the surrounding terrain. A four-member team from Geological Survey of India (GSI) and National Trust for Art and Culture Heritage (INTACH) visited the site. Prof Vinod Agrawal of the team said a huge meteorite of about 3km diameter had likely fallen in Baran, creating a 4km-diameter trench about 75,000 crore years ago.
Prime evidence is the centrally uplifted region of the crater
"The centrally uplifted region of Ramgarh Crater is a live evidence of meteorite impact and is an ideal location as per internationally-approved criteria for meteorite presence," Agrawal said, adding that there are several other evidence. Pushpendra Singh Ranawat, geologist and coordinator of the team explained, when something falls, it makes equal and opposite reaction and the uplifted region of Ramgarh structure is that reaction.
Ramgarh Crater soon to be 191st crater in the world
Ranawat said the process of the crater's recognition has started and it is almost certain that Ramgarh Crater would soon get recognized by the global agency in Canada as the world's 191st crater, third in India, and first in Rajasthan. Ranawat said a lot of research has been carried out with the collection of geochemical evidence, field and laboratory evidence published in research papers.
Baran and Rajasthan will be on the geological global map
"It would bring Baran as well as Rajasthan on the geological global map," Jitendra Kumar Sharma of Baran INTACH chapter said. He expressed confidence that Ramgarh Crater would certainly get recognition in world geological seminar scheduled to be held in 2020. Along with Agrawal and Ranawat, the team comprised of senior GSI geologist Abhishek Anand, and Baran INTACH chapter convener Jitendra Kumar Sharma.
Ramgarh crater will be the 'third' crater in India
According to experts, there are two recognized craters in India - Lonar Lake in Buldhana district of Maharashtra and another in the Shivpuri district of Madhya Pradesh.
