The Ilumetsa site, in Estonia, consists of two round, rimmed structures that are 725 m apart. We excavated trenches though the Ilumetsa Large and Ilumetsa Small structures and found small pieces of charcoal within the putative proximal ejecta in both structures, in a similar geological setting as previously identified charcoal in Kaali and Morasko craters. 14C dating of charcoal showed that these crater-like features formed simultaneously between 7170 and 7000 cal. years BP, about 7 ka after deglaciation of this area. A ground penetrating radar survey shows that no additional Ilumetsa structures >40 m exist. Geochemical studies of the ejecta and a search using a metal detector did not reveal any clear indication of extraterrestrial material. This suggests Ilumetsa may have been formed by an impact of stony-iron or stony body, which got significantly weathered in a wet-temperate climate. The mystery of the formation of the structures at Ilumetsa remains; however, due to significant circumstantial evidence discussed herein, we are confident to call it a “probable” impact site.
Addressing target audiences and expressing needs
- Collaboration
- Fellowship to advance my/our research
We are always looking for scientific cooperation that can advance understanding of small impact craters on Earth.
- Research and Technology Organisations
- Academia/ Universities
R&D, Technology and Innovation aspects
This was a basic science research – we expect follow up scientific studies allowing us to better understand important issues such as process and probablity of asteroid collisions with Earth.
The only “business” result we expect in the near future is further develpment of the tourist interest in the Ilumetsa structures.
It is a scientific research – it has to be relicable. 🙂
