Lonar Impact Crater, India: the Best-Preserved Terrestrial Hypervelocity Impact Crater in a Basaltic Terrain as a Potential Global Geopark

Lonar Impact Crater is a simple meteorite impact crater carved out on the ~ 65 Ma old Deccan tholeiitic flood basalts. The crater, though scoured in basaltic terrain, still preserved its most pristine form, with central lake. geomorphology, geochemistry, geochronology, hydrology, geophysical parameters, and structural aspects of have been explored detail, but continue to contribute valid scientific insights into geology terrestrial craters. serves as potential analog site for studying cratering planetary surfaces terrains such Moon Mars. Besides being highly recognizable India, hinterland stand archeological relevance spiritual influence among people. numerous temples around premises uphold cultural significance region. adjacent areas are rich flora fauna representing diverse ecosystem vastness arid Flood Basalts. Hence, astrobleme surrounding declared Ramsar also protected wildlife sanctuary. Indian Government has National Geological Monument well an archaeological monument. Furthermore, unique socio-cultural economic significance. With these plethoras importance, combined geological hinterland, together acclaimed UNESCO world heritage centers Ajantha Ellora caves neighborhood, it stands right candidate Global Geopark. However, not enough, uniqueness diminishing. But after selection site, area shows increased vegetation growth. SWOT analysis conducted this study accounts adjoining global geopark. Thus, through study, we try propagate vivid myriad importance necessity protecting monument from both anthropogenic natural processes appraise nominating