[BR-Crater] long-range science prospects

[Ian Kluft]

I've occasionally thought about the effect that the impact structure at
Black Rock will have, once it's scientifically established.  When we
thought it was just a 50km (30 mile) structure, it seemed that it should
attract a lot of geologists to study it because it's relatively easily
accessible on public land and exposed on the surface.

I had already expected that it will be a source of material for many geology
PhD theses.  And I think the chances of that went up with everything else.

So now it's an 82-87km (51-54 mile) structure.  Once confirmed, it would
insert itself at #8 on the top 10 largest impact structures listed on UNB's
Earth Impact Database, until larger craters are discovered and bump it off
the top 10.  Within the US, only the Chesapeake Bay Impact Structure is
larger, and not by much, at 90km.  (Mexico and Canada have larger craters.)

There's a huge difference.  As inhospitable as the Black Rock Desert can be,
the Chesapeake Bay structure is buried hundreds of feet under Newport News,
Virginia and the mouth of Chesapeake Bay.  It's only accessible by drilling.
And they've done a lot of drilling.  In comparison, Black Rock would probably
be a giant geology playground for its accessibility.

I think there's plenty of reason to expect our efforts will be appreciated
once it's all done and accepted.  Hopefully that helps as a motivating factor
for at least some of the group.  It does for me.