Lonar Crater, India: A Crypto-Volcanic Origin

One of the largest natural crater in the world is situated at Lonar (J9°59'N : 76°31'E) in the Buldhana district, Maharashtra. The crater is located in Deccan basalts and controversy exists about its origin. The earlier theories suggested a volcanic eruption. Morphological resemblance with other terrestrial craters, physical evidences like the identification of very high pressure shock deformation features and shatter cones have favoured an impact origin. Bore holes drilled could not establish a sufficient thickness of brecciated zone which is a prerequisite for an impact crater. Gravity and magnetic (Vertical Force) measurements favour a crypto-volcanic origin for the crater associated with a volcanic pipe or a carbonatite plug.