Researchers from Goethe University in Frankfurt studied a geological formation that resembles a trace from
The Domaine du Météore crater is relatively small forimpact: its diameter is only 200 m, and the depth is about 30 m. The sides of the crater are covered with stunted trees, and the bottom is planted with vines. The hypothesis about the meteorite origin of the crater was expressed by geologists in the 1950s, but was later called into question: at that time, this formation did not have a characteristic raised edge and an anomaly of the magnetic field.
In a new analysis, German scientists analyzedsamples of rocks located under the vineyard. Microanalysis showed that the dark layers in one of the shales, which usually just contain a higher percentage of mica, could be impact veins formed as a result of crushing and breaking of the rock. What's more, the researchers found traces of breccia, the angular rock fragments held together by "cement" that are characteristic of impact craters.
Analysis of rocks under a microscope. The iron oxide microsphere contains traces of fused rocks and "microdiamonds". Image: Frank Brenker, Goethe University Frankfurt
Further research showed that the magneticthe Earth's field in the crater is slightly weaker than in the vicinity. This is typical of impact craters because the impact breaks or even melts the rock, reducing its remanence. Using strong magnets attached to the plate, the scientists found tiny balls of iron oxide up to 1 mm in diameter and "microdiamonds" - tiny balls formed due to high pressure during a meteorite impact.
Numerous confirmations do not leavedoubts, say scientists. This indicates that the crater Domaine du Météore was indeed formed as a result of a meteorite fall. The new formation complements a small number of known craters. So far, only three such tracks have been known in Western Europe: one in France and two in Germany.
Meteor craters on Earth are quite rare.Although in the past our planet has been constantly hit by objects from outer space, most of the traces of such collisions have long since disappeared. Active erosion of soil and rocks, as well as tectonic movements of lithospheric plates, change the relief and smooth out the consequences of past events.
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On the cover: the Domaine du Météore vineyard at the site of the impact crater. Image: Frank Brenker, Goethe University Frankfurt