Scientists discover Earth's rarest impact crater in Oman's Dhofar Mountains

Observer

24-04-2025

In a scientific breakthrough that could reshape our understanding of planetary impacts on Earth, a team of researchers from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has identified a rare meteorite impact crater nestled within the rugged slopes of the Dhofar Mountains in southern Oman. This discovery is significant not only for its rarity but also for what it reveals about how celestial bodies interact with Earth's topography.
Unlike the majority of known impact craters—which tend to form on flat plains—this newly identified structure was formed on a sloped surface. Measuring approximately 259 metres in diameter, the crater stands out in the global geological record as the first verified impact site discovered on inclined terrain. The location, near the hamlet of Jardoom and accessible from the city of Salalah, adds yet another scientific gem to Oman's already meteorite-rich Dhofar region.
The discovery was made using an array of advanced technologies including high-resolution satellite imagery, digital elevation models, and data from NASA's ICESat-2 satellite, which uses laser altimetry to measure the Earth's surface. These tools enabled the ISRO team, led by Dr Dandabathula Giribabu, to precisely map and analyze the crater's structure, revealing a raised rim and an unusual crescent-shaped basin.
Comparative analysis with similar craters on Mars—conducted using imagery from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter—highlighted striking similarities in crater morphology, especially in cases where impacts occurred on slopes. The researchers noted that the crater's ellipticity and depth-to-diameter ratio were consistent with theoretical models of oblique meteorite impacts on inclined surfaces.
What makes this site even more compelling is the geomorphological evidence supporting its classification as an impact crater. Mathematical simulations conducted in previous studies have shown that impacts on slopes tend to shift the deepest point of the crater downhill. The Dhofar crater conforms exactly to this pattern. In addition, a tongue-shaped landslide extending from the basin's lower edge adds further proof that this was not formed by erosion or other terrestrial processes, but by a powerful extraterrestrial collision.
Another remarkable feature of the site is the exposure of folded rock layers along a steep slope just below the crater. These folds provide a rare opportunity for geologists to study how the force of a meteorite impact affects subsurface geological structures. This unique combination of surface and subsurface clues makes the crater a valuable natural laboratory for planetary scientists and geologists alike.
The Dhofar region has long been a hotspot for meteorite discoveries, with fragments of extraterrestrial material frequently found scattered across its desert landscape. However, this newly uncovered crater elevates the region's scientific importance to a new level. It is expected not only to attract researchers from around the world but also to boost geotourism in Oman, inviting visitors to explore the dramatic landscapes and cosmic history of the country's southern highlands.
With its precise coordinates fixed at 17°04'02.8"N, 53°55'06.8"E, the Dhofar impact crater may soon become a must-visit destination for both scientists and adventure seekers looking to trace the marks of the universe on Earth's surface.
The research was published in the peer-reviewed international journal, namely, Earth and Planetary Science, an esteemed journal of Nan Yang Academy of Sciences, Singapore (https://doi.org/10.36956/eps.v4i1.1454), and has gained excellent traction in the scientific community within a shorter time since its publication.