crater A bowl-like depression (the word literally means "cup" in Latin) on the surface of a planet, moon, or asteroid. Craters range in size from a few centimeters to over 1,000 km across, and are mostly caused by impact (see impact crater and impact basin) or by volcanic activity, though some are due to cryovolcanism. Related categories • CRATERS GEOLOGY AND PLANETARY SCIENCE METEORS AND METEORITES Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) |