Scientists have stumbled upon what they say is the world's deepest crater, and it lies deep at the bottom of the ocean.

Experts Andrew Filkson and Tony Yeates published a new study on the impact structure located off the coast of New South Wales, Australia.

The paper states that they believe the crater named Deniliquin structure is the world’s largest impact structure.

READ MORE: Inside Stalin's lost bunkers 'used by communist elite to escape their own rallies'

It stretches approximately 323 miles wide – making it over 100 miles bigger than the structure previously considered the world's largest.

Previously, the Vredefort impact structure, which measures 186 miles wide, can be found in South Africa.

It has been estimated by scientists that the structure was formed around 445 million years ago during a period known as the Late Ordovician.

The study claimed that detecting structures of this kind is difficult today due to erosion and water hiding the depth.

Detailed maps have been made to suggest where the asteroid may have impacted Earth and scientists are using geological discoveries to better their understanding.

This includes finding examples of ejecta – a material that breaks away from the Earth when a space rock impacts and can end up far away from the impact site.

• 

  Aliens will be invited to play chess by boffins – as it'll strike up conversation

The Deniliquin structure has yet to be further tested.

More research including drilling could confirm whether it's actually the largest of its kind.

The Daily Star previously reported that Earth's deepest artificial hole has been dubbed the “entrance to hell” after miners cracked 40,000 feet below the surface.

The Kola Superdeep Borehole, in Russia, was created by the Soviets in the name of science.

• 

  New 'purplish alien' sea creature discovered by stunned scientists below Antarctica

Experts dug to previously untouched depths in hopes of learning more about what lies beneath our feet.

Digging began near Murmansk in the 70s. After two decades the hole reached 7.5 miles deep (12,200 meters).

In 1992, drilling ceased after temperatures at the bottom reached a staggering 180 degrees Celsius – significantly higher than scientists predicted.

A noise branded the “sounds of hell” was claimed to have been recorded from the hole which, terrifyingly, is only covered by a rusty metal lid.

For the latest stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletter by clicking here – and check out the new WTF Wednesdays newsletter for everything brilliantly bizarre!

Source: Read Full Article