Earth sciences professor at Western University Dr Gordon Osinski told CBC that circular structures are often spotted on Google Earth or Google Maps, but nine times out of ten they turn out to be geological quirks, not craters. However, of the new discovery, he said: ‘It’s super exciting. It doesn’t happen too often.’

The team has already received samples from the site, and preliminary analysis reveals that at least one contains zircon, a mineral that transforms the intense pressure and heat of a meteorite impact. Mr Rochette said the discovery of such a site would be "major" since the last meteorite of this size was discovered in 2013.