A gravity-derived model for the steinheim impact crater

Abstract

The gravity survey of the Steinheim impact crater comprises about 500 gravity stations resulting in aBouguer anomaly map of the crater and its surroundings. From this map aBouguer residual anomaly of the impact structure was deduced which shows considerable character. A central negative anomaly with an amplitude of about -2 mgal and a halfwidth of 3 km is surrounded by ring-like relative positive and negative anomalies which extend to a radial distance of about 5–6 km. The interpretation is based on nine radial profiles with close station spacing. Model calculations were performed suggesting the Steinheim crater to be much larger and of different formation than has been assumed. Based on the gravity interpretation, on a morphological analysis, and on additional geological and geophysical observations a model of the Steinheim crater and its development is proposed. The main characteristics are a 500–600 m deep primary excavation and a final, apparent, diameter of roughly 7 km, contrasting to an up to now favoured shallow excavation and a 3.5–4 km final diameter. The model considerations include mass and energy calculations and references to the Ries impact crater.