Friday, March 14, 2008

Upheaval Dome, Utah, USA: Impact origin confirmed

Two German researchers claimed in the months "Geology*"that they have found the evidence that proves Upheaval Dome in Canyonlands National Park was formed by a meteor. The quartz grains were found "off to the side of the crater, not in the middle, a finding that suggests the meteor collided at an angle." [link] The quart was actually found in the Jurassic Kayenta Formation! It has long been debated that this structure was possibly caused by a collapsed salt dome, volcanism or a meteor.

This is definitely worth seeing if you are ever in Canyonlands and have the time to hike up to the site (its only about a mile hike). John and I went and visited it for the first time this past summer and it was definitely very cool to see in person! Highly recommended! Besides, Canyonlands is an awesome park that you should visit if you are ever in Utah!

*Elmar Buchner and Thomas Kenkmann. 2008. Upheaval Dome, Utah, USA: Impact origin confirmed. Geology 36(3): 227-230. [link]

Canyonlands Official Upheaval Dome webpage
National Parks Traveler article
Discovery News: Utah Crater Mystery Cracked

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