The Beaverhead impact structure is the second largest impact structure within the U.S. It lies within the states of Idaho and Montana. Estimated at 60 kilometers (37 mi) in diameter, it is the ninth largest impact crater on Earth.
| Beaverhead impact structure | |
|---|---|
 A shatter cone produced by the Beaverhead impact | |
| Impact crater/structure | |
| Confidence | confirmed[1] |
| Diameter | 60 kilometres (37 mi) |
| Age | 600 million years |
| Exposed | Yes |
| Drilled | No |
| Location | |
| Coordinates | 44°36′N 113°0′W / 44.600°N 113.000°W |
| Country | United States |
| State | Idaho, Montana |
  Beaverhead impact structure Location of Beaverhead impact structure in Idaho | |
With an estimated age of 600 million years (Neoproterozoic), the impact's original shatter cones along the impact structure's perimeter provide some of the structure's only remaining visible evidence.
It is named for the Beaverhead region of southwestern Montana in which it was first discovered.
See also
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References
edit- ^ "Beaverhead". Earth Impact Database. Planetary and Space Science Centre University of New Brunswick Fredericton. Retrieved 2015-01-02.
Further reading
edit- Carr, J and Link, PK, 1999, Neoproterozoic conglomerate and breccia in the formation of Leaton Gulch, Grouse Peak, northern Lost River Range, Idaho: Relation to Beaverhead Impact Structure, in Hughes, S.S., and Thackray, G.D., eds., Guidebook to the Geology of Eastern Idaho: Pocatello, Idaho Museum of natural History, p. 21-29.
- Aerial Exploration of the Beaverhead crater
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