Hydrothermal Processes Associated with Meteorite Impacts

Abstract

The study of asteroid impacts has gained considerable momentum in the last 30 years or so, following the pioneering works of Eugene (Gene) Shoemaker (1928–1997) who, with his wife Carolyn and Edward Chao, discovered shock features diagnostic of very high pressures that can only be attained by hypervelocity impacts. They were instrumental in the recognition by the geological community of asteroidal impacts as a major planetary process. Other pioneers included Robert Dietz (1914–1995) and Richard Grieve, who realised the impact origin of Sudbury, Bevan French, Michael Dence and Dieter Stoffer.