Serpent Mound crater facts for kids
The Serpent Mound crater is a large, bowl-shaped hole in the ground in Ohio, United States. It is also sometimes called the Serpent Mound Disturbance. This special place was formed a very long time ago when a giant space rock, known as a meteorite, crashed into Earth.
Most of the crater is found in Adams County. Some parts of it also reach into Highland County and a small piece into Pike County. Even though it has worn down over millions of years, it's still a fascinating example of a meteorite impact site.
Contents
What is the Serpent Mound Crater?
The Serpent Mound crater is a unique geological feature. It was created when a large meteorite hit the Earth. Over time, wind and water have slowly worn away parts of the crater. This process is called erosion.
Scientists classify it as a "complex crater." This means it's not just a simple, round hole. It has a raised area in the middle, like a small hill. It also has a ring-shaped ditch or valley around the outside. Imagine dropping a pebble into sand. You get a simple bowl. Now imagine dropping a much bigger rock. It might create a central bump and a ring around it.
How Big and Old is the Crater?
When the meteorite first hit, the crater was much bigger. Scientists believe its original edge was about 8 kilometers (5 miles) wide. However, some newer studies suggest it might have been even larger, possibly up to 14 kilometers (9 miles) across.
The crater is very, very old. Experts think it formed less than 320 million years ago. This time period is known as the Mississippian age. That means dinosaurs weren't even around yet when this huge event happened!
The Crater and Serpent Mound
The crater gets its name from the famous Serpent Mound. This is a very old and large earthwork built by Native Americans. It is shaped like a giant snake. The Serpent Mound sits on a flat area inside the crater.
People have often wondered if the unusual shape of the land inspired the Native Americans to build the mound there. The strange hills and valleys of the crater might have seemed special to them. European-American explorers first noticed the unique landscape in the 1800s.
A Special Natural Landmark
Because of its importance, the Serpent Mound crater has been recognized as a special place. In 1980, it was named a National Natural Landmark. This means the National Park Service protects it. It is considered a top example of America's natural history.
