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Named for a large topographic basin in southern Germany formed by the impact of an extraterrestrial body in Miocene time. Within this crater, which lies between the Swabian and Franconian plateaus, is the medieval city of Nördlingen with a church made from the impact breccia. The Ries is host to an annual cultural festival in celebration of its geology, history, art, music, folklore, handicrafts, industry and agriculture. (M 17655)