Day 65 May 8

Boiler and steam engine used to run the winch.  The hole was dug
to search for the meteor in the bottom of the crater.

The tour guide took our picture.

Meteor crater in Winslow AZ. A very different geological site than we have seen so far. The impact of meteor measuring 150 feet across impacted the earth here about 50000 years ago. It broke into smaller fragments when it entered the atmosphere. The largest fragment is on display in the museum for visitors to see and touch. It is made of 92% iron, 7% nickel, and 1% trace minerals. The crater created when the meteor hit the earth is believed to have been 700 feet deep originally, but due to erosion since the impact is now about 500 feet deep. The circumference of the rim is 2.5 miles, and it is about   3/4 mile across. It is estimated that it hit the earth at a speed of 11 miles per second! One way to discern an impact craters from volcanic craters by the condition of the rock strata surrounding them, which is upturned, or even reversed by the impact. Also, the crystalline structure of the rocks surrounding the impact are changed by the decrease in pressure and temperature after the impact. Finally, there is a type of rock that is found only many impact sites called a shattercone that is created by the impact. Although these are things that seem easy to reason out today, it was not as evident in the recent past. One of the things that solidified this way of thinking was comparing the similarities of meteor sites and nuclear test sites. In the afternoon, we headed to Flagstaff, where we will stay for a few days to see some area attractions and to give Jane some final preparation time for the AP US History exam on Friday.

Anna at the rim.