NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Cratering motions and structural deformation in the rim of the Prairie Flat multiring explosion craterCratering motions and structural deformation are described for the rim of the Prairie Flat multiring crater, 85.5 m across and 5.3 m deep, which was formed by the detonation of a 500-ton TNT surface-tangent sphere. The terminal displacement and motion data are derived from marker cans and velocity gages emplaced in drill holes in a three-dimensional matrix radial to the crater. The integration of this data with a detailed geologic cross section, mapped from deep trench excavations through the rim, provides a composite view of the general sequence of motions that formed a transiently uplifted rim, overturned flap, inverted stratigraphy, downfolded rim, and deformed strata in the crater walls. Preliminary comparisons with laboratory experimental cratering and with numerical simulations indicate that explosion craters of the Prairie Flat-type generated by surface and near-surface energy sources tend to follow predictable motion sequences and produce comparable structural deformation. More specifically, central uplift and multiring impact craters with morphologies and structures comparable to Prairie Flat are inferred to have experienced similar deformational histories of the rim, such as uplift, overturning, terracing, and downfolding.
Document ID
19780057835
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Roddy, D. J.
(U.S. Geological Survey Flagstaff, Ariz., United States)
Ullrich, G. W.
(USAF, Weapons Laboratory, Kirtland AFB N. Mex., United States)
Sauer, F. M.
(Physics International Co. San Leandro, Calif., United States)
Jones, G. H. S.
(Defence Research Board Ottawa, Canada)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1977
Subject Category
Geophysics
Meeting Information
Meeting: Lunar Science Conference
Location: Houston, TX
Start Date: March 14, 1977
End Date: March 18, 1977
Accession Number
78A41744
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NASA ORDER W-13130
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available