Beaverhead impact structure

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The Beaverhead impact structure is the second largest impact structure within the U.S. It lies within the states of Idaho and Montana. Estimated at 60 kilometers (37 mi) in diameter, it is the ninth largest impact crater on Earth.

Beaverhead impact structure
A shatter cone produced by the Beaverhead impact
Impact crater/structure
Confidenceconfirmed[1]
Diameter60 kilometres (37 mi)
Age600 million years
ExposedYes
DrilledNo
Location
Coordinates44°36′N 113°0′W / 44.600°N 113.000°W / 44.600; -113.000
CountryUnited States
StateIdaho, Montana
Beaverhead impact structure is located in Idaho
Beaverhead impact structure
Beaverhead impact structure
Location of Beaverhead impact structure in Idaho

With an estimated age of 600 million years (Neoproterozoic), the impact's original shatter cones along the impact structure's perimeter provide some of the structure's only remaining visible evidence.

It is named for the Beaverhead region of southwestern Montana in which it was first discovered.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Beaverhead". Earth Impact Database. Planetary and Space Science Centre University of New Brunswick Fredericton. Retrieved 2015-01-02.

Further reading

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