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Image of Barringer Crater in Arizona. | Credit: USGS/D. Giving birth
This article was originally published on The conversation. The publication contributed to the article on Space.com Expert votes: Op-Ad & InsightsS
Impact craters are formed when an object of space such as a meteoroid, asteroid or comet strikes the ground at a very high speed. This leaves an excavated round hole on the earth’s surface.
It is a major geological process that has formed the planets of their formation to this day. It creates landscapes and surface materials in our solar system. The moon is covered with them, as well as planets such as Mercury, Mars and Venus. On Earth, the effects have influenced the evolution of life and have even provided valuable mineral and energy resources. However, very few of the influential craters on Earth are visible due to various processes that darken or erase them.
Most of the recognized craters of the Earth are buried under sediments or have been deeply eroded. This means that they no longer retain their original forms.
However, the Bosumtwi influence crater in Ghana is different. It is well preserved (not eroded or buried under sludge). Its well -defined, almost circular pool filled with a lake is surrounded by a prominent edge of a crater that rises above the surface of the lake and an outer round plateau. This makes it a goal for several research issues.
As a scientist on the ground, I joined a 2019 research team to find out better the morphology of the crater. We conducted a morphological analysis of the crater (study of its shape, structure and geological characteristics).
This study concluded that the activity of illegal miners poses a threat to the resistance of the crater. We have also found that the characteristics of the Bosumtwi Impact crater can be considered as a ground presentation for a special type of impact crater known as Rampart Craters. They are common on the planets Mars and Venus and are located on ice bodies of the external solar system (such as Ganymed, Europe, Dion, Tetis and Charon).
For future studies, the Bosumtwi Impact crater can be used to understand how Mars and Venus’s Rampart Crarts are formed. So Bosumtwi’s impact crater must be protected and preserved.
Bosumtwi Lake was created by a shock crater that landed in Ghana. | Credit: NOAHALORWU via Wikimedia Commons
Crater
The Impact Bosumtwi crater is in the mineral ashani -rich ashan’s gold belt. This is the location of the only natural inner lake in Ghana. As one of the world’s best preserved young meteorite craters, it has been identified as the International Union of Geological Sciences.
This is one of only 190 confirmed Impact crater sites around the world, one of only 20 on the African continent. His lake is one of the six meteorite lakes in the world, recognized as its exceptional scientific value.
At almost 1.07 million years, the crater offers unmatched opportunities for studying the processes of impact, climate history and planetary evolution. This is an indispensable natural laboratory for researchers and teachers.
Beyond its scientific importance, the crater has a cultural importance for the people of ashanti of Ghana. The lake in its center serves as a sacred place and a spiritual landmark. The breathtaking landscape of the crater also supports ecotourism and local livelihood, contributing to the economic development of Ghana, while maintaining exceptional aesthetic value.
The Bosumtwi Impact crater card in Ghana with the corresponding mining. | Credit: David Barato through conversation
Research
As part of the more current research work on the 2019 study, in 2025, we discovered through field work and analysis of satellite data that illegal craft yield was distributed in the area and threatened the crater. This refers to informal, laborious extraction of minerals, mostly gold. It is carried out by individuals or small groups using basic tools and rudimentary machines. The use of toxic chemicals such as mercury and cyanide and practices such as dredging of the river causes severe environmental harm.
The illegal miners also visit the rim of the crater, pose serious threats to its environment and durability. Their activities have become more common for less than 10 years, which shows a growing problem. If it is not checked, it can cause irreversible damage to the crater.
These mining operations run the risk of contaminating the lake with toxic heavy metals. The consequences are serious. These include the destruction of critical geological evidence, accelerating deforestation and deterioration of the ground. All this damages the scientific, cultural and economic value of the crater.
The International Union of Geological Sciences Geoheheheraging of the Crater emphasizes the urgent need for protection measures. The loss of this rare geological miracle would be not only a national tragedy for Ghana, but also a blow to the global scientific heritage.
Immediate action is required. This includes improved satellite monitoring (monitoring of illegal yield, deforestation and changes in the environment) using optical images (such as Sentinel-2, Landsat, Planetscope). These tools can detect forest loss, identify mining pits and sludge outflow, and analyze changes over time.
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– Venus’s giant shock craters can hide in front of the eyes
Further implementation of mining prohibitions and community engagement programs will help to preserve the unique attributes of the Bosumtwi crater for future generations of scientists, students, tourists and local communities that depend on its resources.
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