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Other Atlas

Craters

Craters

ELEMENT │ TERRAIN

Craters are circular depressions caused by an extreme event such as volcanic eruption (volcanic craters), or asteroid collision (impact crater). Fictional craters are also frequently formed by magical explosions or superweapon detonation. As common elements in science fiction worlds, craters are frequently found on planets, moons, and asteroids, where they may be the location of planetary colonies or mining colonies. Craters are also often found in other genres, particularly as crater seas or crater lakes, where they can serve as interesting world locations. If a crater was formed by a collision, there may still be valuable space material at the center.

Synonyms: impact craters, volcanic craters, circular valleys
Example Mythonyms: Goodwin Crater, Crater Bravo Two, Valley of the Gods

Designing Fictional Craters

Overview

There are several reasons for the formation of a crater, and deciding on one can help form a history of the world and the events that have transpired there.

Impact CratersFormed during impact between a large celestial body and a smaller, high velocity object
Volcanic CratersFormed during a volcanic eruption
Explosion CratersFormed by a large explosion on the surface of the ground
Pit CratersFormed when the surface collapses or sinks into an underground void or cavern chamber

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