The formation of peak rings in large impact craters
File(s)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Large impacts provide a mechanism for resurfacin
g planets through mixing near-surface rocks
with deeper material. Central peaks are formed from the dynamic uplift of rocks during crater
formation. As crater size increases, central peak
s transition to peak ri
ngs. Without samples,
debate surrounds the mechanics of peak-ring formation and their depth of origin. Chicxulub is
the only known impact structure on Earth with an unequivocal peak ring, but it is buried and only
accessible through drilling. Ex
pedition 364 sampled the Chicxulub
peak ring, which we found
was formed from uplifted, fractured, shocked, felsic basement rocks. The peak-ring rocks are
cross-cut by dikes and shear zones and have an unusually low density and seismic velocity.
Large impacts therefore generate vertical fluxes and increase porosity in planetary crust.
g planets through mixing near-surface rocks
with deeper material. Central peaks are formed from the dynamic uplift of rocks during crater
formation. As crater size increases, central peak
s transition to peak ri
ngs. Without samples,
debate surrounds the mechanics of peak-ring formation and their depth of origin. Chicxulub is
the only known impact structure on Earth with an unequivocal peak ring, but it is buried and only
accessible through drilling. Ex
pedition 364 sampled the Chicxulub
peak ring, which we found
was formed from uplifted, fractured, shocked, felsic basement rocks. The peak-ring rocks are
cross-cut by dikes and shear zones and have an unusually low density and seismic velocity.
Large impacts therefore generate vertical fluxes and increase porosity in planetary crust.
Date Issued
2016-11-18
Date Acceptance
2016-10-14
Citation
Science, 2016, 354 (6314), pp.878-882
ISSN
0036-8075
Publisher
American Association for the Advancement of Science (A A A S)
Start Page
878
End Page
882
Journal / Book Title
Science
Volume
354
Issue
6314
Sponsor
Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)
BG International Limited
Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)
ConocoPhillips
Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council (PPARC)
The Leverhulme Trust
Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)
Grant Number
ST/N000803/1
NER/T/S/2000/00183
4100005341
NE/P005217/1
N/A
PP/D001986/1
RF/4/RFG/2010/0159
ST/J001260/1
NE/P011195/1
Subjects
Science & Technology
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Science & Technology - Other Topics
CRUSTAL STRUCTURE
CHICXULUB CRATER
BASIN
ASYMMETRY
MODEL
GRAVITY
DENSITY
QUARTZ
General Science & Technology
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2016-11-18