Quantitative analysis of the deformational history and timing of the Sierra Madera impact structure, West Texas

The Sierra Madera impact structure is a 12.9 km diameter, well-eroded remnant of a complex impact crater located in West Texas. The crater was last studied in the early 1970's and is an excellent site for deformation and timing studies using modern research techniques.In this dissertation, Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the Sierra Madera structure including previous geologic research regarding the crater, stratigraphy and structure/crater formation. Chapter 2 lists deformational features documented within the central uplift of the crater and assigns temperature and shock pressure values to the conditions of crater formation. Chapter 3 details the use of X-ray diffraction as a possible method to determine shocked rocks from terrestrially deformed rocks. Chapter 4 documents the use of the fission-track method to assign a radiometric age to the impact event. Chapter 5 is a field guide for the impact crater.