GMS Field Trip

GMS Field Trip
Meteorite Impact Site in Tennessee
Friday, May 22, 2016

The Tennessee impact crater was the first stop on the 2016 epic trip. The shatter cones there were formed when a meteorite struck the ground. The force of the impact caused shock waves through the bedrock leaving a distinct "shatter" pattern in the dolostone. The shatter cones there are some of the best examples of shatter cones in the world, so we are incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to collect there.

It rained the day before and it was raining that morning, but by the time we got to the meeting place, the rain had stopped. Our geologist friend showed us a geologic map of the site and explained what we were seeing. After an informative question and answer session, we headed out to ground zero. Because of the earlier rain, everyone was worried that the site would be too muddy. The road was a little soupy and there were a couple of shallow ponds where there normally aren't any, but it wasn't too wet to collect!

Many shatter cones were found by surface collecting or with a little bit of scratching around. Others were found by breaking pieces off of large boulders.

After everyone got some shatter cones we called it a day and prepared for the next day of collecting.

Lori Carter
On behalf of Charles Carter, GMS Field Trip Chair
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Click here for more information about the May 2016 epic trip
Click here for the May 2015 trip report
Click here for the March 2014 trip report
Click here for the July 2013 trip report
Click here for the March 2013 trip report