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Barringer Crater image in Arizona. | Credit: USGS/d. Roddy
This article was originally published The conversation. The publication contributed to the Space.com article Expert voices: OP-ED and insights;
Exposure craters are formed when an object from space, such as a meteoroid, asteroid or comet, strikes the Earth at very high speed. It leaves a dug circular hole on the ground.
This is the main geological process that has formed the planets from their formation to today. This creates landscapes and surface materials throughout our solar system. The moon is covered with them, like planets such as Mercury, Mars and Venus. On earth, the effect affected the development of life and even provided valuable minerals and energy resources. However, very little influence on craters’ land is due to various processes that obscure or delete them.
Most recognized strokes on the ground are buried under the sediment or were deeply eradicated. This means that they no longer communicate their original forms.
However, the Bosumtwi exposure crater is different in Ghate. It is well preserved (not deeply eradicated or buried under the sediment). Its precisely defined, almost circular pool filled with a lake, is surrounded by an raised crater rim, which rises above the surface of the lake and the outer circular plateau. This makes it several research issues.
As a scientist of land, since 2019 I entered the research team to better understand the morphology of the crater. We performed a morphological analysis of the crater (study of its shape, structure and geological characteristics).
This investigation concluded that the activities of illegal mining of mines pose a threat to the sustainability of the crater. We have also learned that the features of the Bosumtwi impact crater can be considered a view of a terrestrial special type shot crater known as Rampart craters. These are common on the planets of Mars and Venus and are located on the icy external solar system (eg grazede, Europe, dione, tethys and Charon).
For future research, the Bosumtwi exposure crater can be used to help you understand how the embankment craters are formed in Mars and Venus. So the Bosumtwi impact crater should be protected and preserved.
Lake Bosumtwi was created by a impact crater descended in Ghate. | Credit: Noahalorwu via Wikimedia Commons
Crater
The Bosumtwi Impact Crater is located in Ghana Minerals rich ashanti in gold band. This is the place of the only natural inland lake in Ghana. As one of the best -preserved influence of young meteorites, it is appointed as the International Geological Sciences Union Geoheritage site.
This is one of the only 190 approved Impact Crater locations worldwide, one of the 20 African continent. Its lake is one of the six meteorite lakes in the world, recognized for its exceptional scientific value.
At almost $ 1.07 million. It is an indispensable natural laboratory for researchers and educators.
In addition to the scientific importance, the crater has a cultural significance of Ghanase Ashanti nation. The lake in its center is a sacred place and spiritual landmark. The breathtaking crater landscape also supports ecological tourism and local livelihood that contributes to Ghana’s economic development while maintaining exceptional aesthetic value.
Map of Bosumtwi Crater Ghate with appropriate mining sites. | Credit: David Baotoux during a conversation
Investigation
In the following 2019 Research study, 2025 During the field of outdoor work and satellite analysis, we discovered that illegal craftsmen’s mining prevails in this area and threatens the crater. This means unofficial extraction of minerals, primarily gold. It is performed by individuals or small groups using basic tools and original machines. The use of toxic chemicals such as mercury and cyanide and practices such as river deepening causes significant environmental damage.
Illegal miners change the crater edge and around it, pose a major threat to its environment and sustainability. Their activities have become more common in less than 10 years, indicating a growing problem. If this is not checked, it can cause irreversible damage to the crater.
These mining operations risk contaminating the lake with toxic heavy metals. These consequences are serious. They include the destruction of critical geological evidence, acceleration of forests and landing land. All of this is detrimental to the scientific, cultural and economic value of the crater.
Marking the International Geological Sciences Union Crater Geoheritage emphasizes the need for urgent security measures. The loss of this rare geological miracle would not only be a national tragedy Gana, but also a blow to the global scientific heritage.
I need immediate action. These include improved satellite monitoring (monitoring illegal mining, forest destruction and environmental changes) using optical images (eg Sentinel-2, Landsat, Planetscope). These measures can detect the loss of forest, determine mining pits and sediment leakage and analyze changes over time.
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– Venus “disappeared” giant impact craters can hide in the face
Stricter mining prohibitions and community engagement programs will help preserve the Bosumtwi exposure to Crater unique attributes of future scientists, students, tourists and local communities depending on its resources.
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