The Kaali Meteorite Crater Field is on Saaremaa, the largest island in Estonia.
It was the last giant meteorite to fall into a densely populated area. Its fall
in the Bronze Age or even earlier, has left clear traces not only in the landscape,
but also in folklore. In the centre of a field of nine craters there is a main
crater of 110-metre diameter and 22-metre depth. On its walls a fortified settlement
was founded. In the Iron Age, the crater was surrounded by a strong stone wall
and was probably used as a place of water sacrifices.
The Kaali Crater Field as a phenomenon needs introduction to the integrating
European culture both by virtual and intellectual cultural paths - as a website
and as an interactive CD, which will enable to demonstrate visually the process
of the catastrophe and its effect on natural environment and human society.
The results of the joint geological-archaeological expedition's research are
worth publishing in an article in the joint book about the results of the project
and also as eye-catching flyers for tourists willing to make a trip from crater
to crater and other archaeological monuments in the vicinity.
The physical paths on site require an additional updated information system,
which would serve as the basis for the future meteorite museum's exhibition.
Opening more views of the imposing crater wall and covering details unearthed
during research excavations with a roof for better display are important steps
in establishing physical cultural paths.
Research
The joint geological, paleo-zoological, paleo-geographical and archaeological
research in the bottom of the main crater is of great scientific value and holds
much potentialas a tourist attraction with its cognitive side. Drilling and
excavation work at the presumed sacrificial place at the height of the tourist
season, proved an attractive and accessible wayfor the public to access the
site and help promote both the scientific work. public awareness and interest
in the site. The use of the GIS for the precise mapping of the vicinity of the
crater field and the georadar search for other possible craters and remains
of meteorites covered by earth have a great effect on the maintenance and design
of the landscape besides their scientific value.
Communication
The maintenance work and site protection create better service conditions
for tourists. Printed matter and modern multi-media will promote further dissemination
of Kaali to the public. It is also important to raise schoolchildren's interest.
They can gain knowledge through attractive media and visit the main tourist
site of their native place. They will appreciate the monument more after doing
practical work on the spot, like seasonal and permanent maintenance work.
Further information on Saarema
Project team: National Heritage Board
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