description Clearwater Lake West Overview
Clearwater Lake West is a circular lake occupying an impact structure in northern Quebec, Canada. It lies beside Clearwater Lake East, and the neighboring forms were long described as a paired impact feature, although later dating indicated that they did not form simultaneously. The western structure is the larger of the two and contains a ring of islands that outlines part of its central region.
help Clearwater Lake West FAQ
Where is the Clearwater Lake West crater located?
Clearwater Lake West is located in the province of Quebec, Canada, near the eastern edge of the Canadian Shield. It is situated adjacent to its twin, Clearwater Lake East, forming a massive double impact crater. The remote lakes are a prominent geographical feature of the subarctic landscape.
How big is the Clearwater Lake West crater?
Clearwater Lake West has an estimated diameter of roughly 36 kilometers (about 22 miles), making it a massive geological structure. It is slightly larger than its twin crater to the east. Together, they form one of the most visible and recognizable crater pairs on Earth.
How old is the Clearwater Lake West impact crater?
The Clearwater impact event that created both lakes occurred around 290 million years ago during the Permian period. It was caused by a massive meteorite that likely broke apart just before impact, hitting the Earth in two spots. The effects of millions of years of glaciation eventually filled the craters with water.
Can you visit Clearwater Lake West?
Visiting the Clearwater lakes is extremely difficult due to their remote location in the wilderness of northern Quebec. There are no roads leading to the lakes, so access is generally limited to chartered floatplanes. The area is pristine and mostly visited by extreme outdoor adventurers and geological researchers.
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