Meteor Crater

Definition

Meteor Crater, also known as Barringer Crater, is a well-preserved impact crater located in Arizona, USA. It was formed approximately 50,000 years ago by the impact of a nickel-iron meteorite about 50 meters in diameter.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. It is about 1.2 kilometers (0.75 miles) in diameter and 170 meters (560 feet) deep.
2. Named after Daniel Barringer who was the first to suggest that it was created by a meteorite impact.
3. The crater provides key evidence supporting the theory of impact cratering on Earth and other planets.
4. Studies at Meteor Crater have helped scientists understand shock metamorphism and the effects of high-speed impacts.
5. Meteor Crater is one of the best-preserved terrestrial impact craters.

Related terms

Impact Cratering:

The process by which a planetary surface is shaped by collisions with asteroids, comets, and other celestial objects.

Shock Metamorphism:

The alteration of minerals and rocks due to the high-pressure conditions produced by meteorite impacts.

Asteroid:

A small rocky body orbiting the sun, often found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.