Google Maps reveals possible asteroid impact crater discovery

A camper in Quebec, Canada, discovered a potential impact crater while using Google Maps. The formation, located near Marsal Lake in the Côte-Nord region, measures approximately 15 kilometers in diameter. Researchers from the European Centre for Research and Teaching in Environmental Geosciences (CEREGE) are currently investigating the site to confirm its origin. Preliminary evidence suggests that the crater may have formed between 38 and 450 million years ago, with samples indicating the presence of zircon, a mineral associated with meteorite impacts. The crater's structure features a notable altitude difference of 200 to 300 meters between the floor and rim, along with a faint circular inner ring measuring 8 kilometers in diameter. If confirmed as a meteorite impact site, it would be a significant discovery, marking the 11th confirmed impact structure in Quebec. The last crater of similar size was identified in 2013, highlighting the rarity of such findings. Researchers are awaiting further tests to establish the crater's true origin. They plan to conduct a field campaign to gather more data, which may provide definitive evidence of the impact. The study of impact craters is crucial for understanding the history of celestial objects and their interactions with Earth. The discovery underscores the importance of citizen science, as Joel Lapointe's observation led to this potential finding. Scientists express gratitude for his contribution, which may enhance our knowledge of the geological history of the region and the processes that shape planetary surfaces.