According to geological theory, over the course of time, cracks in the earth's surface were eroded away along the ridges of the Negev highland mountains. The great force from tremendous floods of winter eventually washed away these ridges and left only huge open spaces. While these cirques are often called craters, this is a misnomer, for they were not formed either by meteors or by volcanic activity. Geologists often refer to them by their Hebrew name Machtesh.

Forty kilometers long and about 10 meters wide, the largest of these unique geological formations is called Machtesh Ramon. A little town is located on a western cliff with a spectacular view of the "crater". Founded after the establishment of the State of Israel in the 1950's, the city of Mitzpe Ramon (Ramon Overlook, in English) remains relatively isolated. The residents of Miztpe Ramon are mainly employed in the tourist industry that has developed over the last few decades. Machtesh Ramon has been declared a Geological Park, and is slated to be preserved for future generations.