Scientists from the Institute of Remote Sensing and Digital Earth (RADI) have recently published a paper that studied the cratering process and morphological features of the Xiuyan impact crater by using crater impact morphological theory and mathematical modeling, combined with remote sensing imagery, digital elevation model (DEM) , crater drilling and field work data.

The Xiuyan impact crater is a well-preserved bowl-shaped crater, located in the north of Liaodong Peninsula of Northeast China. It is the first confirmed meteorite impact crater in China, listed in the Earth Impact Database in 2010.

Using simple crater impact model, RADI scientists made morphological analysis of the diameter of the transient crater and the final crater. Based on the diameter of the final crater and the thickness of breccia, then, scientists estimated that the area Xiuyan crater was likely hit formed by a meteorite roughly 55 m in diameter for iron and 115 m for stony.

Scientist also utilized DEM data to study the topographic features in the study area. The depth / diameter relationship indicates that the crater belongs to simple crater type and the Circularity index (CI) show evidence of erosion and degradation after its formation.

Based on interpretations of Spot 5 image, scientists drew a distribution map of impact fractures inside Xiuyan crater, which displays the distribution pattern of radial fractures, and the evolution of radial fracture-controlled drainage inside the crater.

The study of Xiuyan crater is expected to shed light on future research of the regional paleo-climate, paleo-environment, and even digenesis and mineralization.

This study has been published on SCIENCE CHINA Earth Sciences (in English), 2013, No.10.

(http://earth.scichina.com:8080/sciDe/EN/abstract/abstract511957.shtml)