A crater has classically been described as: "a bowl-shaped pit that is formed by a volcano, an explosion, or a meteorite impact". On Earth, craters are "generally the result of volcanic …

Apr 17, 2024 · Craters are formed by the outward explosion of rocks and other materials from a volcano.

crater, circular depression in the surface of a planetary body. Most craters are the result of impacts of meteorite s or of volcanic explosions.

to form a crater or craters. The surface of the concrete cratered and cracked under the repeated impacts.

Dec 4, 2025 · Popigai is one of the largest and most well-preserved impact craters on Earth. The “young” and well-preserved crater helps scientists understand cratering processes on Earth …

Impact craters are formed rapidly. A meteor enters a celestial body’s exosphere (or outer atmosphere) and then hits the surface. There are generally three stages to creating an impact …

1 day ago · While impact craters are below the surrounding terrain, volcanic cones and their summit craters are generally elevated above the landscape. Anatomy of an Impact Crater A …

Craters are smaller bowl-shaped depressions that form directly at the summit of a volcano following eruptions, while calderas are significantly larger depressions that result from the …

Jan 6, 2026 · crater (plural craters) (astronomy) A hemispherical pit created by the impact of a meteorite or other object. [from 1831] synonym Synonym: astrobleme (geology) The basin-like …

Craters are the most common surface features on many solid planets and moons—Mercury and our Moon are covered with craters. This portion of the Moon is covered by numerous circular …