Scientists have identified a vast gravitational anomaly in East Antarctica’s Wilkes Land region, sparking debate over its origin. The anomaly appears to be the site of a massive buried structure that may be the largest known impact crater on Earth. Researchers believe it could be a remnant of a cataclysmic meteorite impact from the Late Heavy Bombardment period, approximately 4.1-3.8 billion years ago.
Studies suggest that the structure’s size and shape are comparable to other meteorite impacts in the solar system, increasing the likelihood of its cosmic origin. However, alternative explanations such as volcanic or tectonic activity cannot be ruled out without physical sampling.
The Antarctic ice sheet’s thickness prevents direct geological exploration of the bedrock below, making it challenging to confirm the impact theory. If confirmed, the implications would be significant, potentially contributing to mass extinctions and long-term climate change.
This discovery highlights the importance of further research into subglacial geology and early tectonic history in Earth’s southern hemisphere. Precise gravitational and satellite techniques may uncover additional craters similar in scale, expanding our understanding of the solar system’s bombardment history.
Source: https://dailygalaxy.com/2025/04/antarcticas-ice-hiding-the-largest-crater