Post-impact Geological Evolution Within the Crater and in Its Surroundings

The post-impact history of the Popigai impact crater structure includes three main interrelated processes (1) weak tectonic deformation including numerous vertical block displacements of the crater base and overlying impact formations; (2) denudation of impact-generated and deformed target rocks; (3) deposition of loose Pliocene and Quaternary sediments. A period of disintegration and re-deposition of the impact rocks continued during the Neogene and Quaternary, when the modern relief was formed. Post-impact sediments peak 102 m thick but they vary considerably in thickness and genesis. As a whole, the post-impact modification influences insignificantly to the Popigai crater, which retains the main features of its original structure.