Wells Creek crater

Summary

Wells Creek is an impact crater located near Cumberland City, Tennessee. It is 12 kilometers (7.5 mi) in diameter and the age is estimated to be 200±100 Ma (million years old), placing it in the Jurassic or a neighboring period. The crater is exposed to the surface. The center of the crater contains some of the finest shatter cones in the world. Many have been collected and are on display around the world.[1]

Wells Creek crater
Wells Creek crater in 1953
Impact crater/structure
ConfidenceConfirmed
Diameter12 km (7.5 mi)
Age200±100 Ma
Mesozoic
ExposedYes
DrilledYes
Location
LocationCumberland City, Tennessee
Coordinates36°22′40″N 87°39′30″W / 36.37778°N 87.65833°W / 36.37778; -87.65833
Country United States
StateTennessee
ProvinceHouston & Stewart Counties
Wells Creek crater is located in the United States
Wells Creek crater
Wells Creek crater
Location of the crater in Tennessee
Wells Creek crater is located in Tennessee
Wells Creek crater
Wells Creek crater
Wells Creek crater (Tennessee)
AccessPrivate

Gallery edit

 
 
 
Shatter cones developed in fine grained dolomite from the Wells Creek crater

References edit

  1. ^ "Wells Creek". Earth Impact Database. Retrieved January 13, 2021.

External links edit

  • Wells Creek Crater at Tennessee Landforms
  • Wells Creek Impact Structure at Crater Explorer