Vredefort Dome - South Africa

Website Category:  Earth’s Crust

Area: 301 km² (serial site with four component areas).
Inscribed: 2005

Criteria: (viii) Earth's history

Values:The Vredefort Dome world heritage site encompasses the central part of the oldest and largest meteorite impact site known on earth.  The entire meteorite impact structure (or astrobleme) has a radius of impact of 190 km, while the section designated as a world heritage site features an eroded ‘crater rim' of low hills with upturned quartzite rock strata and other features of the impact. It is one of about 200 meteorite impact structures currently known on Earth, of which only three have a diameter greater than 150 km. It is the only world heritage site in Africa that is primarily under private ownership, encompassing 149 farm properties.

Slideshow of the Vredefort Dome world heritage site.  

Impressions (based on a visit in September 2005):  Appreciation of the significance of this site, and understanding of its geological features, requires explanation and interpretation. Anybody passing through the area could be forgiven for failing to appreciate that this is anything more than a pleasant farming community in an attractive rural setting where the Vaal River passes through an area of rolling hills. A few community members are taking initiatives to raise awareness, but these are early days in the development of the site, and much remains to be done. A major effort to provide world class interpretation at the site would be a significant contribution: otherwise it will remain somewhat obscure, and offer little to attract international visitors.

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Links to other places in the Earth’s Crust category:  Wadi Al-Hitan  I  Mosi-oa-tunya Victoria Falls  I  Land of the Dogons 

Links: Google Earth | UNEP-WCMC Site Description | Official UNESCO Site Details | OurPlace Photos