Impact Structures
Impact structures are geological formations created when celestial bodies, such as asteroids or comets, collide with a planet or moon. These collisions can result in craters, basins, and other features that vary in size and shape, depending on the energy of the impact. The study of these structures helps scientists understand the history of planetary surfaces and the processes that shape them.
One of the most famous examples of an impact structure is the Chicxulub Crater in Mexico, which is linked to the mass extinction event that wiped out the dinosaurs around 66 million years ago. By examining impact structures, researchers can gain insights into the frequency of such events and their potential effects on life and the environment.