Vredefort, South Africa – World’s Largest and Oldest Known Impact Structure and Natural World Heritage Area

The Vredefort impact structure in South Africa is unique in a number of ways: Not only is it the oldest and largest impact structure known on this planet, but it also encompasses the Witwatersrand basin, from which some 50% of all mined gold has been recovered. In addition, the well-exposed structure provides a rare perspective of the geology along a continuous section through upper and middle crust. In 2005 a representative part of this geologically, environmentally, historically and archaeologically unique area was proclaimed a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This presentation will focus on the fundamental importance of the impact cratering process – not only in the planetological sense, but particularly regarding evolution on planet Earth – and the lessons learnt from multidisciplinary exploration of the Vredefort Structure.