Full Title: Geologic Map and Cross Sections of the Flynn Creek Impact Structure, Tennessee

Compilers: Jonathan C. Evenick and Robert D. Hatcher Jr.

The Flynn Creek impact structure is located in northeastern central Tennessee, on the northeast flank of the Nashville dome. Remapping the structure has better delimited the depositional history and impact structure evolution. The structure contains many features characteristic of complex impact structures: concentric normal faults, central uplift, shatter cones, impact breccia, and a modern internal drainage system. In addition, it contains some distinctive impact-related compressional structures, such as thrust faults and buckle folds in the modified crater rim. Four persistent, almost circular, concentric faults delineate the structure, which has a maximum diameter of 4.7 km. This estimate, however, is larger than the previously projected 3.8 km. Structural and surface geologic data indicate impact deformation extended farther from the central uplift than previously demonstrated. The almost circular shape of the impact structure suggests the bolide that produced the impact map have descended in an almost vertical trajectory. Stratigraphic relationships, breccia compositions, possible coeval hydrothermal dolomitization in the impact breccia and modified crater rim, and conodont fossils corroborate impact during the Late Devonian.

Published: 10/29/2007

Product Category: EBooks