Identifying the Meteorite Impact Crater

The question asks to identify a geomorphological feature that is a confirmed crater formed by a meteorite impact. Analyzing the given options helps determine the correct answer.

Feature Analysis

• Lonar Lake, Maharashtra: This lake is widely recognized and scientifically confirmed as a natural lake formed by a meteorite impact. Geological studies show evidence consistent with a hypervelocity impact event approximately 50,000 years ago. The unique saline and alkaline nature of the water, along with the surrounding basaltic rock formations (including impact breccia), supports its origin as an impact crater.
• Ramgarh Lake, Rajasthan: While sometimes debated, geological evidence does not conclusively prove Ramgarh Lake to be a meteorite impact crater. It is often considered a possible volcanic feature or a structural depression.
• Chilka Lake, Odisha: Chilka Lake is a large coastal lagoon, formed by the deposition of sandbars and sedimentation processes separating it from the Bay of Bengal. It is not an impact crater.
• Tso Moriri Lake, Laddakh: This high-altitude lake is situated in a basin formed by tectonic activity in the Ladakh region. Its geological context indicates formation through tectonic processes, not meteorite impact.

Conclusion on Impact Craters

Based on scientific consensus and geological evidence, Lonar Lake is the only feature among the options that is a proven meteorite impact crater.