- Address: 94143 Saaremaa, Estonia;
- It was formed: about 3470-3545 years ago.
On the Estonian island of Kaali there is an unusual natural object that attracts tourists from all over the world. This field, which adorns a picturesque lake formed in one of the craters, left here thousands of years ago by a huge meteorite. The ancient "scars" on the landscape from the fiery heavenly sphere are covered with mysterious legends. They attract not only lovers of geological sights, but also simple travelers who know the beauty and versatility of Estonian lands.
History of the origin of Lake Kaali
There were many legends on the island of Saaremaa before, and even several scientific hypotheses were put forward about the origin of the unusual Kaali lake.
The scientist Reynvald put forward a karst hypothesis, stating that the Kaali lake is nothing but a piece of land that fell through under the influence of rock erosion by underground rivers. But when he came to the lake as part of an expedition to drill the earth in this place in search of salt deposits, the opinion of the mining engineer changed. Too unusual was the shape of the lake and it is unlikely that ordinary water could wash away the monolithic slabs of dolomite and limestone. Then, in 1927, Reinwald first proposed to the learned world a new version of the origin of the reservoir in Kaali, associated with the fall of the meteorite to Earth. The statement of the scientist remained without special attention, but Reinvald was simply obsessed with the idea of proving his cosmic theory, and he succeeded in 1937. Already, almost despaired, the scientist last decides to come to the lake, and finally, luck smiled at him. Sifting the soil from the bottom of small craters, Reinwald discovers evidence of his hypothesis - small pieces of metal containing 8.3% nickel. The analysis of the particles found leaves no doubt - they are fragments of a meteorite.
After a thorough investigation of the craters of the Kaali, it was established that they formed from 2.5 to 7.5 years ago and represent traces of a huge meteorite that, before reaching the Earth, split into 9 parts and hit the island of Saaremaa with a fiery rain.
Features of the craters of Kaali
Scientists have tried to recreate the events of many centuries ago, and the picture turned out awesome. Presumably, the weight of the meteorite arriving in Kaali was about 20 tons. It moved at a speed of 20 km / s and split at a distance of 10 km to the ground.
The shock wave produced by the collision was more powerful than the one that triggered the bombing in Hiroshima. The fireball immediately incinerated all life that was within a radius of 6 km.
The largest fragments of the meteorite were left by 9 craters:
- crater 1 - located near the lake Kaali (depth 4 m, diameter 39 m);
- The combined crater (2 and 8) - was obtained from a double impact - falling near two fragments (depth 2/3 m, diameter 27/36 m);
- crater 3 - it has a small lake, which dries up in summer (depth 3.5 m, diameter 33 m);
- crater 4 - the original view of the funnel was heavily altered during archaeological excavations, is located near the road to Kylyala;
- crater 5 - is located near the crater 4, on the pasture;
- crater 6 - the smallest of all (depth 0.6 m, diameter 26 m);
- crater 7 - has an oblong shape (depth 1 m, diameter 15 m);
- the main crater 9 - actually, the very lake Kaali (depth 22 m, diameter 110 m).
What to do on Lake Kaali?
Craters of Kaali are unique sights that are very rare. They are recognized as the most effective meteorite formations in the whole of Europe, and in the world among relatively young craters, Lake Kaali is the eighth place. Therefore, to visit this place is undoubtedly worth it.
Particularly beautiful on the crater field in Kaali in July and August. Around the picturesque blooming nature, and the water in the lake acquires an incredible jade shade.
It is very close to the Kaali manor. Here you can even more penetrate the space history by visiting the Museum of meteorites, and also to buy memorable gifts to friends and relatives in a souvenir shop.
If you want to stay in this place longer, you can stay overnight in the guest house. On the territory of the estate there is also a tavern serving delicious national cuisine and homemade beer. Near the museum there is free parking.
How to get there?
From the mainland you can get to the island of Saaremaa by air, bus or car. Through the channel you ferry.
If you travel by car, after the exit from the ferry, follow the motorway No.10. Your landmark is Kuressaare , but you do not need to reach it. You should turn off the highway about 30 km before Kuressaare. Carefully follow the signs, they are on the way to Kaali enough to not go astray.