shatter cone


nounGeology.
  1. a small, radially striated rock structure produced by intense shock, such as generated by meteorite impact.

Origin of shatter cone

1
First recorded in 1945–50
  • Also called pressure cone.

Words Nearby shatter cone

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

Scientific definitions for shatter cone

shatter cone

[ shătər ]


  1. A fractured, conical fragment of rock that has striations radiating outward from the apex. Shatter cones are believed to form when rocks are subjected to shock waves associated with a meteoric impact. They are typically between a few centimeters and a few meters long.

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