Which lake in India was formed by a meteorite impact and is considered a crater lake?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Correct Answer
Lonar Lake, Maharashtra
Explanation
Lonar Lake, located in the Buldhana district of Maharashtra, is a world-famous crater lake formed roughly 52000 years ago by the impact of a high-velocity meteorite. It is one of the very few hyper-velocity impact craters found in basaltic rock anywhere on Earth. The lake is uniquely alkaline and saline at the same time, harboring specialized micro-organisms. Because of its outstanding geological and ecological importance, Lonar Lake was designated as a protected Ramsar site in November 2020.
Key Points
Wular Lake in Jammu and Kashmir is India's largest freshwater lake and was formed due to tectonic activity, not a meteorite.
Vembanad Lake in Kerala is a long, brackish water lagoon and holds the record for being the longest lake in India.
Lonar Lake occasionally gathers global scientific attention due to natural phenomena, such as in 2020 when its water temporarily turned a distinct pink color due to the presence of Haloarchaea microbes combined with high salinity.
Important Questions and Answers
Question: In which state of India is the famous Lonar impact crater lake situated?
Answer: It is situated in the Buldhana district of Maharashtra.
Question: What type of bedrock makes the Lonar crater globally unique for planetary scientists?
Answer: It is formed in basaltic rock (volcanic rock), making it a rare analog for studying impact craters on the surfaces of Mars and the Moon.