Holleford crater facts for kids
Oblique Landsat image of Holleford crater draped over digital elevation model (x10 vertical exaggeration). Although the crater itself is buried, its location (arrows) is marked by a subtle surface depression. Screen capture from NASA World Wind.
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| Impact crater/structure | |
|---|---|
| Confidence | Confirmed |
| Diameter | 2.35 kilometers (1.46 mi) |
| Depth | 244 meters (801 ft) |
| Impactor diameter | 100 meters (330 ft) |
| Age | 550 ± 100 million years |
| Exposed | No |
| Drilled | Yes |
| Location | |
| Coordinates | 44°27′28″N 76°38′00″W / 44.4578°N 76.6333°W |
| Country | Canada |
| Province | Ontario |
 Location in Southern Ontario
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| Topo map | 031C07 SYDENHAM |
The Holleford Crater is a huge hole in the ground made by a meteorite hitting Earth. It's located near Holleford, in South Frontenac, Ontario, Canada. This crater is about 2.35 kilometers (1.46 miles) wide.
It was formed a very, very long time ago, around 550 million years ago. That's during the Ediacaran or Cambrian periods! Even though it's a crater, you can't see it easily on the surface. It's actually buried underground.
How the Crater Was Found
Scientists found the Holleford Crater in the 1950s. They were looking at photos taken from airplanes. Carlyle S. Beals, from the Dominion Observatory in Ottawa, led this discovery.
Later in the 1950s, the Geological Survey of Canada did more studies. They used different methods to learn about the ground. These included looking at magnetic fields, using sound waves (seismic studies), and checking gravity.
They also drilled deep into the ground. This drilling helped them get rock samples from below. The samples showed special rocks called breccia. These rocks are often found where a meteorite has hit.
All these studies showed that an ancient meteorite crater was hidden. It was deep below the surface in very old rock called Precambrian bedrock. Scientists think the meteorite was about 100 meters (328 feet) wide. They believe it hit the Earth at an amazing speed of about 55,000 kilometers per hour (34,000 mph)!
Where is the Holleford Crater?
The Holleford Crater is on the Babcook Family Homestead Farm. This farm has been in the Babcook family since 1803. It's located in Hartington, Ontario, which is about 30 minutes north of Kingston.
A famous person, Jack Babcock, was born on this farm. He was the last Canadian army veteran from World War One. He lived to be 109 years old!
Since the 1960s, many geology students from Queen's University visit the site. They come to learn about the crater. In the 1970s, a special plaque was put up near the farm. It helps people remember the crater's importance. Queen's University also has a display about the Holleford Meteorite Crater in their Miller Hall Museum of Geology.
