Joël Lapointe discovers possible ancient asteroid site in Quebec
While searching for a campsite, Joël Lapointe came across an unusual formation. Its spherical shape caught his attention, and scientists speculate about its origin.
When browsing Google Maps, you can come across many intriguing points. Satellites can present us with objects from a perspective that reveals patterns not visible daily. Joël Lapointe, while planning a camping trip, stumbled upon one such interesting formation.
Looking for a trip spot in the Côte-Nord region of Quebec, he discovered a place where, theoretically, an asteroid might have struck the Earth's surface. This spherical structure, roughly 14 kilometres in diameter, is located near Marsal Lake in Quebec.
Discovery in Google Maps
Lapointe decided to contact scientists to share his findings. He informed Pierre Rochette from the French Centre de recherche en géosciences de l'environnement (CEREGE) and asked for help in identifying the discovery.
After analysing satellite images, it was assumed that there is a possibility it is the result of an ancient asteroid impact on Earth. At the same time, scientists considered that there might have been a mistake in classifying the ring of mountains surrounding the nearby lake.
This formation was supposed to be interpreted as a volcanic diatreme. It is more likely to have formed as rock melted at the bottom of the crater, which is low in classics.
Scientists cannot yet confirm the formation mentioned, but there is a significant likelihood that Lapointe indeed found an ancient asteroid impact site. The impact could have occurred between 450 and 38 million years ago based on erosion levels.
"Based on the already available preliminary evidence, Lake Marsal seems to be a serious candidate to become the 11th confirmed impact structure from Quebec", wrote the scientists. They expressed hope that after visiting the site and conducting detailed research, they would find more evidence that it is indeed an asteroid impact site on Earth.
