Vargeão Dome: Rare Impact Crater

The Impact Crater Vargeão is a fascinating geological formation that not only evokes the history of our planet, but also reveals the magnitude of the event that formed it.

Located in western Santa Catarina, this crater is the result of an asteroid impact more than 80 million years ago.

In this article, we will explore the city's historical impacts, geological significance, economic and population characteristics, and the global scientific interest that Vargeão attracts, particularly due to its striking similarities to lunar rocks.

Through this, we will understand the relevance of this geological heritage in the Brazilian context.

Vargeão Dome: General Overview

The Domo de Vargeão crater is a geological jewel located in the West of Santa Catarina.

With an impressive diameter of 12 km, this crater stands out not only for its size, but also for its history.

Reports indicate that the training took place more than 80 million years after a collision with an asteroid approximately 550 meters in diameter.

This impact was so powerful that the local relief would not be the same if it were not for it.

The force of the asteroid not only shaped the landscape, but also created a unique geological structure that attracts scientists from around the world to study its rock formations, comparable to those of the Moon. As we continue, we will see the geological impact of this crater and the scientific value it represents.

The Impact and the Energy Released

The meteoric impact that created the crater of Vargeão Dome stands out for immense release of energy.

It is estimated that the asteroid, with about 550 meters in diameter, when colliding with the Earth there are more than 80 million years, has generated an energy release comparable to 500,000 nuclear bombs.

This catastrophic event created a crater with 12 km in diameter, forming a unique geological structure in Brazil.

Because of this, it has become a target of investigation for geologists and scientists.

Detailed research, such as that described in the study available at Brazilian Commission on Geological and Paleobiological Sites, offer insights into the unique rock formations that refer to those of the Moon.

There is a remarkable similarity between the rocks found in Vargeão and the lunar samples collected

, which reinforces the importance of this place as a point of premium scientific study.

Geological Survey and Reconnaissance

Studies of the Vargeão Dome, which began 47 years ago, brought significant discoveries about its geological formation.

This impressive astrobleme, located in western Santa Catarina, revealed remarkable similarities to lunar rock formations.

This in-depth analysis culminated in the inclusion of this dome in the SIGEP, recognizing its national and global importance for science.

• Asteroid impact: we discovered that the impact of the asteroid that formed the dome was equivalent to 500,000 nuclear bombs.
• Geological diversity: we recognize at least four distinct volcanic flows among the rock layers of the region. More details can be found in Geological Survey.
• Lunar resemblance: analyses showed similar composition between the crater rocks and those on the lunar surface.

Relevant to the scientific community, research continues to attract scholars from around the world, as shown in another visit documented by geologist Álvaro Penteado Crósta in Vargeão.

Vargeão: Population and Economy

The city of Vargeão, located in the West of Santa Catarina, has a population of approximately 3,634 inhabitants, according to the latest census carried out by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics IBGE.

With a territory of 166,685 km², Vargeão stands out for its economy based on agriculture, livestock, business and industry.

The presence of impact crater, formed more than 80 million years ago by the fall of an asteroid, adds a unique element to the city, attracting scientific research into its rock formations.

This crater not only offers a rich source of study but also boosts scientific tourism, connecting local economic sectors with scientific exploration and visitors interested in geological mysteries.

Below, the table summarizes the main data:

International Scientific Interest

A global scientific importance of the Vargeão Dome is one of the main reasons for attracting researchers from all over the world.

This fascinating research site provides a unique perspective on impact formations and their comparison to lunar structures.

In Vargeão, rock formations similar to those on the Moon highlight the connection between cosmic and geological events, a fact that has caught the attention of the global scientific community.

Research carried out by experts revealed significant geological data essential to understanding both the Earth's and the Moon's past.

“The similarity between the Vargeão rocks and the lunar rocks suggests similar geological processes.”

This testimony illustrates how discoveries at the Vargeão Dome are vital to scientific advancements.

Furthermore, ongoing studies continue to expand our understanding of the vastness of the cosmos and its manifestations on Earth.

Geological Heritage of Brazil

Brazil is a nation rich in unique geological formations, among which impact craters stand out.

Among the nine known, the Vargeão Dome in Santa Catarina appears as one of the most notable.

This crater is not just a geological heritage of national importance, but also a focus of global scientific interest.

The importance of the Vargeão Dome is equivalent to a valuable natural legacy, attracting researchers due to the similarity of its rock formations to those of the Moon.

In comparison, other Brazilian craters include:

• Araguainha Crater — Goiás/Mato Grosso
• Colonia Crater — São Paulo
• Cangalha Mountain Crater — Tocantins
• Vista Alegre Crater — Paraná

The geological impact of these formations highlights a natural wealth that must be preserved and studied carefully.

In short, the Vargeão Impact Crater is a geological treasure that offers a window into Earth's past, highlighting the importance of scientific research and the preservation of this unique heritage.