The Importance of Silali Basin (Kenya) as an Extra Terrestrial Impact Crater

Abstract

Impact cratering by extra-terrestrial bodies including; asteroids, comets and meteorites; is an important geologic process, not only for the minerals that it forms, but also because of the knowledge that it is dangerous to mankind and life on earth. There is also the fact that extraterrestrial impact cratering is a continuous process that may be going on even this very minute, somewhere in the universe. Consequently, the earth, just like other members of the solar system, is targeted by extra-terrestrial falling objects. Silali basin is a depression that is found to the north of Lake Baringo; around Kapedo town. It is suspected to be an Extra – Terrestrial Impact Crater (ETIC). The objective of the study is to assess the importance of Silali basin as an extra-terrestrial impact crater (ETIC) besides describing the basin’s ETIC characteristics. Data was collected using various research methods and has been presented in the form of analyzed satellite images, ground pictures, tables, a Digital Elevation Model, an aerial photograph, a cross section, maps and discussions. The socio-economic significance of the crater has been cited and include tourism, paragliding, quarrying of breccias and geothermal power harvesting. Notably, this is the first study on extra-terrestrial impact cratering and ETICs in Kenya. Consequently, Silali basin, as an ETIC, is a virgin field hence more scientific studies are recommended; for the basin and the surrounding area.