Sierra Madera crater

Sierra Madera crater is a meteorite crater (astrobleme) in southwestern Pecos County, Texas, United States.[1] The central peak of the rebound structure of the impact crater rises 793 ft (242 m) above the surrounding land.[3] The peak is visible from U.S. Highway 385 between Fort Stockton, Texas and Marathon, Texas. The Sierra Madera crater is located on private property on the La Escalera Ranch.

Sierra Madera Crater
Sierra Madera viewed from US Hwy 385
Impact crater/structure
ConfidenceConfirmed[1]
Diameter8 mi (13 km)
Age100 million years
ExposedYes
DrilledYes
Location
LocationPecos County, West Texas
Coordinates30°36′N 102°55′W[2]
CountryUnited States
Sierra Madera
Sierra Madera in Texas
Topo mapSierra Madera
Air photo of central peak complex

It is 13 km (8 mi) in diameter and the age is estimated to be less than 100 million years (Cretaceous or younger).[1]

Apollo 17's Gene Cernan and Jack Schmitt did some of their geologic training here.[4]

See also

References
  1. "SierraMadera". Earth Impact Database. Planetary and Space Science Centre University of New Brunswick Fredericton. Retrieved 2016-12-10.
  2. U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Sierra Madera
  3. Sierra Madera from the Handbook of Texas Online
  4. Phinney, William (2015). Science Training History of the Apollo Astronauts. NASA SP -2015-626. pp. 251–252.
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