Meteorite Craters and Impact Structures of the Earth

The essential guide to 139 sites where the Earth has had a direct hit from space.

Paul Hodge (Author)

9780521126045, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 14 January 2010

136 pages
28 x 21 x 0.7 cm, 0.32 kg

Review of the hardback: 'The descriptions are not only informative but also inviting … Meteorite craters provide us with our only chance to study and walk on a real astronomical phenomenon. Read this book and be prepared to travel.' W. Hughes, Observatory

During its five-billion-year history, Earth has been hit countless times by asteroids and meteorites. Over 150 crater-producing events have been identified, and this 1994 book describes all 139 sites worldwide at which evidence of the impacts can be seen. They range in age from recent craters formed this century to the highly eroded billion-year-old ancient craters. Some are spectacular to visit, such as the Barringer Crater in Arizona, the ring-shaped mountains of Gosses Bluff, Australia, and the huge crater at Ries in Germany. For each site there is a summary table giving location, size, age and present condition. Maps are included where necessary. The author has visited many of the sites and his photographs enrich this thorough survey. Meteorite craters are fascinating to visit, so the descriptions include guidance about access and suggested itineraries for the large structures.

1. Introduction
2. Impact structures of the United States
3. Impact structures of Canada
4. Impact structures of Latin America
5. Impact structures of Australia
6. Impact structures of Europe
7. Impact structures of Africa
8. Impact structures of Asia.

Subject Areas: Solar system: the Sun & planets [PGS]