Meteorite Craters and Impact Structures of the Earth

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

This essential guide to all 139 sites throughout the world at which evidence of the meteorite impacts can be seen includes a summary giving location, size, age and present conditions as well as maps. The author's photographs enrich this thorough unique survey with descriptions including guidance about access.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.