Beaverhead impact structure | |
Map: | Idaho |
Map Size: | 250 |
Coordinates: | 44.6°N -113°W |
Confidence: | confirmed[1] |
Diameter: | 60km (40miles) |
Age: | 600 million years |
Exposed: | Yes |
Drilled: | No |
Country: | United States |
State: | Idaho, Montana |
The Beaverhead impact structure is the second largest impact structure within the U.S. It lies within the states of Idaho and Montana. Estimated at 60km (40miles) in diameter, it is the ninth largest impact crater on Earth.
With an estimated age of 600 million years (Neoproterozoic), the impact's original shatter cones along the impact structure's perimeter provide some of the structure's only remaining visible evidence.
It is named for the Beaverhead region of southwestern Montana in which it was first discovered.