Strewn field

Example of meteorite strewnfield: distribution ellipse of Pultusk meteorite

The term strewnfield indicates the area where meteorites from a single fall are dispersed.^[1] It is also often used with tektites produced by large meteorite impact.^[2]

Formation

There are two strewnfield formation mechanisms:

1. Mid-air fragmentation: when a large meteoroid enters the atmosphere it often fragments into many pieces before touching the ground due to thermal shock. This mid-air explosion causes the dispersion of the material over a large oval-shaped area. The orientation of this oval is determined by the flight path of the meteoroid. When multiple-explosions occur, the material can be found in several overlapping ovals.
2. Impact fragmentation: when there is almost no mid-air fragmentation the fragmentation can occur upon impact. In this case the strewnfield shape can be different, usually circular. (e.g. Canyon Diablo at Meteor Crater; Australasian strewnfield)

Fragments distribution

In the case of mid-air fragmentation, smaller fragments tend to fall shorter. That is why the biggest fragment is usually found at one end of the oval. In order to get an idea of the original flight direction it is necessary to analyze the size pattern of the material over the strewnfield. Fragments of about 1 to 5 grams can be picked up on weather radar as they fall at terminal velocity.

See also

• Glossary of meteoritics

References

1. Introduction to Planetary Science: The Geological Perspective. Gunter Faure, Teresa M. Mensing. Springer, 2007. page 118
2. Tektites in the geological record: showers of glass from the sky. Gerald Joseph Home McCall. Geological Society of London, 2001. page 10