The 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 | |
---|---|
Impact crater/structure | |
Confidence | Confirmed[1] |
Diameter | 8 mi (13 km) |
Age | 100 million years |
Exposed | Yes |
Drilled | Yes |
Location | |
Location | Pecos County, West Texas |
Coordinates | 30°36′N 102°55′W / 30.600°N 102.917°W[2] |
Country | United States |
Sierra Madera Sierra Madera in Texas | |
Topo map | Sierra Madera |
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 geological training here.[4]