Spatio-temporal interpolation of ~530 Ma paleo-DEM to quantify denudation of a terrestrial impact crater

Erosion and weathering are two of the several exogenic processes that control the intensity and patterns of landform evolution. Based on previous studies, the varied erosion rates observed in the geological past depends on factors like mean relief (morphology), climate, lithology, and time. Meteorite impact craters have unique geomorphic features, being characterized by both negative relief features (the bowl-shaped depression) and positive features (such as elevated rims; additionally, central elevated areas for complex craters). This makes them a suitable morphologic feature to study both erosion and deposition. This study estimates the long-term erosion of Ramgarh crater in western India, a crater debated on its morphology and erosion rates. This study uses a paleo-digital elevation model (paleo-DEM), a reconstruction of the crater morphology at ⁓528 Ma- the potential upper age of formation of Ramgarh, along with previously established models with suitable modifications to quantify erosion from the final stage to the present day. The type of projectile and its physical characteristics such as diameter and volume were also estimated. Reconstruction of the crater's paleo-position was achieved through GPlates (a GIS-based paleo-reconstruction model), followed by recreating the transient and final crater morphology (including parameters such as crater diameter and true depth, rim height, and thickness of proximal ejecta) for two age limits (528 Ma and 395 Ma). The intermittent morphology of the crater was generated using mathematical equations to depict the sequence of changes through time. The erosion of the crater, quantified in terms of cumulative volume, is between 0.41 and 0.58 km³. This range is based on four conditions pertaining to two different final crater rim heights (mathematically derived) as well as two age limits. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the long-term morphological evolution of Ramgarh crater and contributes to the understanding of impact crater's erosion processes.