Beaverhead impact structure
Impact structure in the United States
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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 among the largest impact structures on Earth.
Location
- Idaho, Montana, United States
- 44°36′N 113°0′W
Confidenceconfirmed[1]
Diameter60 kilometres (37 mi)
Age600 million years
| Beaverhead impact structure | |
|---|---|
A shatter cone produced by the Beaverhead impact | |
  Location within Idaho | |
| Location |
|
| Impact crater structure | |
| Confidence | confirmed[1] |
| Diameter | 60 kilometres (37 mi) |
| Age | 600 million years |
| Exposed | Yes |
| Drilled | No |
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.
