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🪐intro to astronomy review

Strewn Field

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

A strewn field refers to the scattered distribution pattern of meteorite fragments over a large area of the Earth's surface. These fragments are the result of a single meteoroid breaking apart as it passes through the atmosphere, creating a debris field on the ground.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The size and shape of a strewn field can provide clues about the trajectory, speed, and angle of entry of the original meteoroid.
  2. Strewn fields can range from a few hundred meters to tens of kilometers in diameter, depending on the size and fragmentation pattern of the meteoroid.
  3. The distribution of meteorite fragments within a strewn field is often asymmetrical, with more material concentrated on the side of the field where the meteoroid first impacted the atmosphere.
  4. Studying the characteristics of a strewn field, such as the size, weight, and composition of the meteorite fragments, can help scientists understand the nature and origin of the parent meteoroid.
  5. Identifying and mapping strewn fields is an important part of meteorite recovery efforts, as it increases the chances of finding additional fragments that can provide valuable scientific data.

Review Questions

  • Explain how the size and shape of a strewn field can provide information about the original meteoroid.
    • The size and shape of a strewn field can reveal details about the trajectory, speed, and angle of entry of the original meteoroid. A larger strewn field, for example, may indicate that the meteoroid broke apart at a higher altitude, creating a more dispersed distribution of fragments on the ground. The asymmetrical distribution of fragments can also suggest the direction and angle at which the meteoroid entered the atmosphere. By analyzing these characteristics of the strewn field, scientists can gain valuable insights into the properties and behavior of the parent meteoroid.
  • Describe the importance of studying the characteristics of meteorite fragments within a strewn field.
    • Analyzing the size, weight, and composition of meteorite fragments found within a strewn field can provide crucial information about the nature and origin of the parent meteoroid. The distribution and properties of the fragments can help scientists determine the trajectory, speed, and fragmentation pattern of the original meteoroid as it passed through the atmosphere. This data can then be used to better understand the composition and structure of the meteoroid, as well as its potential relationship to other celestial bodies, such as asteroids or comets. By studying the characteristics of meteorite fragments, scientists can gain valuable insights that contribute to our overall understanding of the formation and evolution of the solar system.
  • Explain how the identification and mapping of strewn fields can aid in meteorite recovery efforts.
    • The identification and mapping of strewn fields is a crucial step in the recovery of meteorite fragments. By pinpointing the location and extent of a strewn field, scientists and researchers can increase the chances of finding additional meteorite fragments that may be scattered across a large area. The distribution pattern of the fragments within the strewn field can also provide clues about the most likely areas to search, based on the trajectory and fragmentation of the original meteoroid. Furthermore, the detailed mapping of strewn fields can help guide future recovery efforts, as it allows for the systematic exploration and documentation of these important scientific resources. By leveraging the information gained from strewn field studies, meteorite hunters and researchers can more effectively locate and collect valuable meteorite specimens for further analysis and research.