Geologists Debate Age of Massive Western Australia Impact Crater

Researchers led by geologist Chris Kirkland have released updated findings suggesting that the North Pole Dome, or Miralga impact crater in Western Australia, dates back approximately 3.02 billion years. This revised estimate follows direct uranium-lead dating of zircon crystals and apatite minerals found within the impact site, providing a more precise timeline than previous estimates based solely on surrounding rock layers.

The origin and age of the 100-kilometre-wide structure have been subjects of significant controversy since its identification in 2025. Initial theories placed the impact at 3.47 billion years ago, while dissenting researchers, including Aaron Cavosie, suggested the site could be as young as 2.77 billion years. The persistence of these conflicting theories stems from the geological complexity of the region, where various surface features can be interpreted as either ancient impact indicators or the result of younger mountain-building processes.

The research team maintains that the mineral alterations observed at the site cannot be attributed to regional heating or tectonic activity, reinforcing the theory of an asteroid collision. Despite this, some members of the scientific community remain skeptical, pointing to the presence of shatter cones in nearby rock formations as evidence that the crater must be younger. The North Pole Dome stands as one of the oldest confirmed impact structures on Earth, with ongoing research critical to understanding the history of planetary bombardments in the early solar system.