The seismic expression and hydrocarbon potential of meteorite impact craters: Current research

Michael James Mazur, Robert R. Stewart

Nearly one quarter of all known terrestrial impact craters are associated with economic deposits of some kind. Ranging from mineral ores and hydrocarbons to evaporite minerals, these deposits often have significant economic importance. Imaged by seismic means, these craters often show characteristics that are diagnostic of crater morphology and impact mechanics. The University of Calgary has been fortunate to receive several seismic datasets showing possible impact structures. These datasets show simple craters, transitional craters, and complex craters. By characterizing and comparing these datasets a more thorough understanding of the morphology and mechanics of formation of impact structures is gained.