A Big Hole In the Ground

Meteor Crater lies at an elevation of 5,640 ft above sea level. It is about 3,900 ft in diameter, some 560 ft  deep, and is surrounded by a rim that rises 148 ft  above the surrounding plains. The center of the crater is filled with 690–790 ft  of rubble lying above crater bedrock. One of the features of the crater is its squared-off outline, believed to be caused by existing regional jointing (cracks) in the strata at the impact site. The crater was created about 50,000 years ago during the Pleistocene epoch, when the local climate on the Colorado Plateau was much cooler and damper. The area was an open grassland dotted with woodlands inhabited by mammoths and giant ground sloths.

Prior to visiting this site I thought “I am just going to see some big pothole in the desert”.  I did not have high expectations, and my photography expectations were even lower. What a surprise. Learning the history of the site was quite amazing. Seeing the crater was even more impressive. I attempted to get a picture to capture the size of the crater. My photograph does not do this site justice. 

If you get a chance to visit the Meteor Crater in Arizona, please go.  Just make sure you stop by and stand on the corner in Winslow, Arizona after. I bet someone will slow down and take a look at you.

Location: Winslow, Arizona