The Fascinating Meteorite Crater in South Africa
![The Fascinating Meteorite Crater in South Africa](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/29/Tswaing%2C_Salt_Pan_Crater.jpg)
While on my journey, I came across the Tswaing Meteorite Crater, a unique place on Earth. The crater was formed by a meteorite impact about 220,000 years ago. It is located in a vast grassland that is surrounded by hills. The impact created a circular depression that is about 1.4 km in diameter and 200 meters deep. As a result of the impact, minerals such as iron and nickel were found in the rocks surrounding the crater, and there is also a small salt pan at the bottom. The Tswaing Meteorite Crater is also home to a natural reservoir of water that is believed to be over a million years old. The name Tswaing means 'place of salt' in Setswana, one of the local languages of South Africa. The place has immense historical and cultural significance as it was used as a cattle post by African tribes who inhabited the area before colonisation. The crater is also surrounded by hills that make it an ideal spot for hiking and picnics.