Proof of impact

Part of Hall of Meteorites.

D.3.3. Proof of impact.jpg

Shocked, melted and pulverized rocks helped prove that meteorite impacts can make craters.

In This Section

Impactite Some of the Kaibab limestone that melted during the Meteor Crater impact mixed with solid rock and bits of meteorite. Metallic spherules More than 80 percent of the Canyon Diablo meteorite that formed Meteor Crater vaporized into a hot mushroom cloud of meteoritic metal. Canyon Diablo (Shale Ball) Many of the thousands of Canyon Diablo fragments found at Meteor Crater have been heavily weathered. Canyon Diablo (Shale Fragments) Many of the thousands of Canyon Diablo fragments found at Meteor Crater have been heavily weathered. Canyon Diablo (Shale Balls) Many of the thousands of Canyon Diablo fragments found at Meteor Crater have been heavily weathered. Canyon Diablo (AMNH 9) Many of the thousands of Canyon Diablo fragments found at Meteor Crater have been heavily weathered.