Meteor Crater: Arizona’s Astonishing Impact Site

Meteor Crater nestled in the heart of the Arizona desert, Meteor Crater is one of the best-preserved impact sites on Earth. Formed approximately 50,000 years ago, this massive crater stands as a testament to the raw power of cosmic collisions and the forces that have shaped our planet. The area was an open grassland dotted with woodlands inhabited by woolly mammoths and giant ground sloths.

 

 

The site was formerly known as the Canyon Diablo Crater and fragments of the meteorite are officially called the Canyon Diablo Meteorite. Scientists refer to the crater as Barringer Crater in honor of Daniel Barringer, who was first to suggest that it was produced by meteorite impact. The crater is privately owned by the Barringer family through their Barringer Crater Company, which proclaims it to be the "best preserved meteorite crater on Earth".Despite its importance as a geological site, the crater is not protected as a national monument, a status that would require federal ownership. It was designated a National Natural Landmark in November 1967.

 

Formation and History:

Meteor Crater, also known as Barringer Crater, was created when a nickel-iron meteorite approximately 160 feet (50 meters) in diameter and weighing several hundred thousand tons slammed into the Earth's surface at an estimated speed of 26,000 mph (41,800 km/h). The resulting explosion released energy equivalent to about 10 megatons of TNT, instantly vaporizing the meteorite and displacing millions of tons of rock. The force of the impact carved out a bowl-shaped depression measuring nearly 3,900 feet (1,200 meters) in diameter and about 560 feet (170 meters) deep. One of the interesting features of the crater is its squared-off outline, believed to be caused by existing regional jointing (cracks) in the strata at the impact site.

Since the crater's formation, the rim is thought to have lost 15–20 m (49–66 ft) of height at the rim crest as a result of natural erosion. Similarly, the basin of the crater is thought to have approximately 30 m (98 ft) of additional post-impact sedimentation from lake sediments and of alluvium.These erosion processes are the reason that very few remaining craters are visible on Earth, since many have been erased by these geological processes. The relatively young age of Meteor Crater, paired with the dry Arizona climate, have allowed this crater to remain almost unchanged since its formation. The lack of erosion that preserved the crater's shape helped lead to this crater being the first crater recognized as an impact crater from a natural celestial body.

Geological Significance:

This impact site has remained largely unchanged due to the arid climate of the Arizona desert, making it an invaluable site for scientific research. The crater provided some of the first evidence that impact events played a role in shaping planetary surfaces, helping to advance the field of planetary geology. It was also used during the Apollo program to train astronauts for lunar exploration, as its rugged terrain closely resembled that of the Moon. 

The object that excavated the crater was a nickel-iron meteorite about 50 meters (160 feet) across. The speed of the impact has been a subject of some debate. Modeling initially suggested that the meteorite struck at up to 20 kilometers per second (12 miles per second) but more recent research suggests the impact was substantially slower, at 12.8 kilometers per second (8.0 miles per second). It is believed that about half of the impactor's bulk was vaporized during its descent through the atmosphere. Impact energy has been estimated at about 10 megatons. The meteorite was mostly vaporized upon impact, leaving few remains in the crater.

 

Visiting Meteor Crater:

Meteor Crater is privately owned but is open to the public as a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can explore an interactive discovery center, featuring exhibits on meteoritics, planetary science, and space exploration. Guided rim tours offer breathtaking views of the vast crater and detailed insights into its formation and ongoing research.

Things to Do:

• Guided Rim Tours: Learn about the impact event and its significance while taking in panoramic views.

• Interactive Discovery Center: Engage with exhibits on meteors, craters, and space science.

• Observation Decks: Experience the scale of the crater from multiple viewing points.

• Hiking and Photography: Capture stunning desert landscapes and geological formations.

How to Get There:

Meteor Crater is located about 37 miles east of Flagstaff, Arizona, just off Interstate 40. The site is easily accessible by car, and a visitor center provides amenities such as a gift shop and a café.

Final Words:

Meteor Crater is not only a remarkable natural wonder but also a crucial piece of Earth's history. Whether you're a space enthusiast, a geology buff, or a traveler seeking awe-inspiring landscapes, this impact site is a must-visit destination in the American Southwest.

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