Which of the following statements about meteorite impacts is TRUE? A) During the Earth's history there have been only a few meteorite impacts due to the protection by the Earth's atmosphere, which vaporizes nearly all meteorites. B) When a large meteorite strikes the Earth, there is a shock wave that compresses, heats, melts, and excavates earth materials. C) Meteorite impact craters cannot be distinguished from volcanic craters. D) Meteor Crater in Arizona has been accepted as having formed by a meteorite impact since it was discovered by geologists in the late nineteenth century. E) Impact craters are all roughly the same size.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When a large meteorite strikes the Earth, it creates a shock wave that compresses, heats, melts, and excavates earth materials. The other statements are false. A) Although many meteorites burn up in Earth's atmosphere, there have been numerous impacts throughout Earth's history. C) Meteorite impact craters can be distinguished from volcanic craters based on their distinct characteristics. D) Meteor Crater in Arizona was accepted as having formed by a meteorite impact soon after it was discovered, not in the late nineteenth century. E) Impact craters vary in size depending on the size of the meteorite and other factors.

Which of the Following Statements About Meteorite Impacts Is TRUE