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HWW Kimberley Northern Cape South Africa 2nd June 1982

It's difficult to capture the depth of the "Big Hole" in Kimberley but the height of the buildings give an idea of the scale. It's a real vertical wall of rock.

Kimberlite, an ultramafic igneous rock and a rare variant of peridotite, is most commonly known to be the main host matrix for diamonds. It is named after Kimberley where diamonds were mined from this hole.

Kimberlite occurs in the Earth's crust in vertical structures known as kimberlite pipes, as well as igneous dykes and can also occur as horizontal sills. The consensus on kimberlites is that they are formed deep within the mantle, hence at high temperatures and pressures.

HWW to everyone. Have a great day!
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17 comments

Annemarie said:

Impressive!!!!!!!
2 years ago ( translate )

Annemarie said:

Wish you a peaceful Wednesday.
2 years ago ( translate )

Herb Riddle said:

An incredible hole here and a job to capture it without the deep shadows I guess. Wouldn't like to trip and roll down there. Thanks for sharing.

HWW, enjoy the day. Herb
2 years ago

Roger (Grisly) said:

A fearsome drop but a nice capture Pete, HWW!
2 years ago ( translate )

Franck Chabal said:

Impressionnant contraste entre la ville à l'arrière plan et ce gouffre naturel, qui semble prêt à avaler les bâtiments! HWW.
2 years ago ( translate )

LotharW said:

Schon im Vorschaubild dachte ich an eine Diamantmine. HWW, Pete. Komm gut durch die zweite Wochenhälfte.
2 years ago ( translate )

Ecobird said:

That looks quite a frightening depth. I cannot imagine working down there.
Thank you for the interesting information Pete. Peridotite is the primary source of the peridot gemstone also I understand. It must have been a fascinating visit.
HWW
2 years ago

tiabunna said:

A very impressive hole indeed, Pete. I recall learning about these vast craters in geography classes (many years ago). HWW and best wishes.
2 years ago

GrahamH said:

Bigger than the Super Pit in Kalgoolie, Australia?
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Hole
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Pit_gold_mine
Or this smaller one south of Cobar, Australia. www.ipernity.com/doc/grahamh/24301253
2 years ago

Mikus said:

Gelungene Perspektive, kleine Häuser, grosses Loch ;-)) HWW, Pete.
2 years ago ( translate )

Xata said:

Great photo and info, I look at this cliff and imagine myself climbing it...does some people do?
HWW Pete
2 years ago

Don Sutherland said:

Extraordinary photo.
2 years ago ( translate )

Ulrich John said:

That’s a great view, Pete ! HWW and Good Evening to you !
2 years ago

Dinesh said:

Beautiful, but rather scary....

HFF & Best wishes
2 years ago

trester88 said:

Kleine Diamanten, großes Loch. HWW, Pete!
2 years ago ( translate )