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Rochechouart

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description Rochechouart Overview

The Rochechouart impact structure is an eroded meteorite impact crater located in the west-central region of France. Estimated to be approximately 206 million years old, the crater originally measured around 21 kilometers in diameter. Today, the surface topography of the crater has been completely erased by erosion, leaving no visible depression. However, its presence is confirmed by shattered rocks, impact breccias, and shocked quartz found scattered across an extended area.

help Rochechouart FAQ

Where is the Rochechouart impact structure located?

The Rochechouart impact structure is in west-central France. It is named after Rochechouart and is spread across an eroded area rather than appearing as a simple intact bowl.

How old is the Rochechouart impact structure?

It is estimated to be approximately 206 million years old. That places the impact in the Late Triassic portion of Earth's geological history.

How large was the original Rochechouart crater?

The original crater is estimated to have been around 21 kilometres in diameter. Erosion has removed the obvious crater shape, leaving a geological impact structure instead of a sharply defined rim.

What evidence proves that Rochechouart was caused by an impact?

Researchers identify impact-related deformation and shocked minerals in the surrounding rocks. Those geological signatures remain even though erosion has substantially altered the original crater topography.

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