Mapping the Internal Structure of the Chicxulub Impact Structure

尤卡坦半岛的希克苏鲁伯撞击构造是6500万年前白垩纪末期一次外星撞击的地点。该构造最初是利用重力和磁数据发现的，随后通过地质研究、钻井和地球物理勘探进行了调查。提出利用大地电磁技术（MT）探测希克苏鲁伯构造，这是一种可以成像地下电导率的地球物理技术。这是在希克苏鲁伯测量的一个有用的量，因为断裂岩石的电阻率很低，而再结晶熔体的电阻率非常高。与墨西哥自治大学（UNAM）合作，建议收集MT数据，以便(1)比以前更详细地定位和绘制冲击片，(2)定义断裂的基底岩石的分布，以查看是否存在与地震反射剖面上成像的深部整个地壳穿透断层的相关性。这项研究将增加对多环盆地形成的理解，并改进对大影响如何改变全球环境的估计。

Unsworth 9908851 The Chicxulub impact structure in the Yucatan Peninsula is the site of an extraterrestrial impact 65 million years ago at the end of the Cretaceous period. The structure was initially discovered using gravity and magnetic data, and has subsequently been investigated through geologic studies, drilling and geophysical exploration. It is proposed to explore the Chicxulub structure by using magnetotellurics (MT), a geophysical technique that can image subsurface electrical conductivity. This is a useful quantity to measure at Chicxulub since fractured rock has a low resistivity and re-crystallized melt has a very high resistivity. In collaboration with the Universidad Autonama de Mexico (UNAM) it is proposed to collect MT data that will (1) Locate and map the impact sheet in higher detail than has been previously possible, and (2) define the distribution of fractured basement rock to see if a correlation exists with deep whole crustal penetrating faults imaged on seismic reflection profiles. This study will increase understanding of the formation of multi-ring basins and refine estimates of how large impacts can change the global environment.