Connolly Basin
Key facts
- Country
- Australia
- Diameter
- 9 km
- Age
- less than about 60 million years
- Location
- 23.53° S, 124.75° E
A round basin about 9 km across, ringed by low ridges, in the Gibson Desert of Western Australia. It stands out on satellite images.
Connolly Basin is an impact structure about 9 km across in the Gibson Desert of Western Australia, one of the most remote parts of the continent.
What can be seen. The structure is a round basin ringed by low ridges, with a central area of disturbed rock. In the desert it stands out clearly on satellite images.
What it hit. The impactor struck a sequence of sedimentary rocks, mainly sandstones and siltstones, of the Canning Basin.
Proof of impact. Geologists found deformed and broken rocks and quartz grains with shock features, which, together with the structure's shape, confirmed an impact.
Age. The age is poorly known. The impact is thought to have happened less than about 60 million years ago.
Why it matters. Connolly Basin is one of several impact structures in the deserts of Western Australia, where dry conditions and old, stable rocks preserve craters well. The impactor is unknown.
Visiting. The Gibson Desert is extremely remote. Travel requires careful preparation, permits for Aboriginal lands and plenty of water.
Did you know?
Connolly Basin lies in the Gibson Desert, one of Australia's most remote regions.
It stands out clearly on satellite images.
It may be less than about 60 million years old.