During its five-billion-year history, Earth has been hit countless times by asteroids and meteorites. Over 150 crater-producing events have been identified, and this 1994 book describes all 139 sites worldwide at which evidence of the impacts can be seen. They range in age from recent craters formed this century to the highly eroded billion-year-old ancient craters. Some are spectacular to visit, such as the Barringer Crater in Arizona, the ring-shaped mountains of Gosses Bluff, Australia, and the huge crater at Ries in Germany. For each site there is a summary table giving location, size, age and present condition. Maps are included where necessary. The author has visited many of the sites and his photographs enrich this thorough survey. Meteorite craters are fascinating to visit, so the descriptions include guidance about access and suggested itineraries for the large structures.
2. Impact structures of the United States
3. Impact structures of Canada
4. Impact structures of Latin America
5. Impact structures of Australia
6. Impact structures of Europe
7. Impact structures of Africa
8. Impact structures of Asia.
"[...] this excellent slim book by a world-renowned astronomer sets out the up-to-date research results on impact structures on Earth [...] The book is well produced with black and white photographs, and would make an excellent companion book to others containing, say, LANDSAT pictures of planet Earth from space."
- Irish Astronomical Journal
"[...] a valuable resource for students or anyone else interested in learning more about impact features."
- Lunar and Planetary Information Bulletin
"The descriptions are not only informative but also inviting [...] Meteorite craters provide us with our only chance to study and walk on a real astronomical phenomenon. Read this book and be prepared to travel."
- W. Hughes, Observatory