11/05/2024
Could the Mysterious Cut in Makhtesh Ramon Reveal 200 Million Years of Geological Secrets?
Makhtesh Ramon, located in Israel's Negev Desert, is the world’s largest erosion crater, or "makhtesh," spanning roughly 40 kilometers in length and up to 10 kilometers in width. Unlike impact craters or volcanic calderas, makhteshim (plural of makhtesh) are unique landforms created by a combination of tectonic uplift and erosion. Over millions of years, wind and water wore away softer rock layers, exposing the harder, older formations beneath.
One of the most intriguing features in Makhtesh Ramon is the presence of vertical dikes—long, narrow rock formations that cut through the sedimentary layers. These dikes were created when molten rock forced its way up through existing cracks in the crust, cooling and solidifying into harder rock. Over time, erosion of the surrounding softer rock has left the dikes exposed, providing a rare look into the Earth’s volcanic past and tectonic shifts.
The layers within the crater reveal a detailed cross-section of geological history, dating back around 200 million years, to the Triassic period. Geologists study these rock formations to understand the processes that shaped not only this region but also similar formations around the world. Makhtesh Ramon is not only a geological wonder but also a protected nature reserve, attracting scientists, hikers, and tourists drawn to its stark beauty and the stories etched in its rocks.