BARRINGER CRATER Meaning and
Definition
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Barringer Crater, also known as Meteor Crater, is a massive and iconic impact crater located in the desert of northern Arizona, United States. It is named after Daniel Barringer, an early investor and explorer in the area. The crater spans approximately 1.2 kilometers in diameter and is estimated to have formed around 50,000 years ago.
The formation of Barringer Crater is attributed to a meteorite impact. It is believed that a large iron meteorite, estimated to be about 50 meters in diameter and weighing several hundred thousand tons, struck the Earth's surface at a velocity of approximately 12.8 kilometers per second. The impact caused a tremendous explosion, creating a massive crater with a depth of about 170 meters and excavating about 175 million tons of rock.
Today, Barringer Crater is recognized worldwide as one of the best-preserved impact craters on Earth and serves as an essential site for research and education regarding impact cratering processes. The crater attracts numerous visitors who come to witness its awe-inspiring size and geological significance.
This unique natural landmark provides valuable insight into the formation of impact craters and their effect on the Earth's geology. It offers scientists and researchers an opportunity to study the impact dynamics, meteorite composition, and the subsequent geological changes caused by such a cataclysmic event. Moreover, Barringer Crater serves as a reminder of the vastness of our universe and the powerful forces that have shaped our planet.
Etymology of BARRINGER CRATER
The word "Barringer Crater" is named after Daniel Barringer, an American mining engineer who first proposed the idea that the crater was created by a large meteor impact. The crater, also known as Meteor Crater, is located in northern Arizona, United States. The name "Barringer Crater" was adopted to honor Daniel Barringer's contributions to the understanding of the origin of the crater.
