Argon One: November 2011

2011-11-30

shattercone [top view]

shattercone [top view], a photo by Argon[one] on Flickr.

Dolomite cones formed by meteorite impact shock waves
300-million-years-old

Wells Creek Impact Crater
Cumberland City, TN

crater center

crater center, a photo by Argon[one] on Flickr.

Paul is standing at the center of the Wells Creek Basin Impact Crater. I, and about a dozen others, had the unique experience of visiting the point of impact of this 300-million-year-old asteroid/comet meteorite crater. This is the remains of a mighty explosion which occurred when a fiery meteorite came screaming southward into the atmosphere, Slamming into the earth, creating a two-rim crater: one rim about 7 miles in diameter and another at the impact point about 2 miles in diameter and perhaps a half mile deep.

Since this event happened 300 million years ago, there is much speculation. No metallic minerals [iron and nickel] were found at ground zero, therefore many believe this was the impact of a comet, a fiery ball of ice.

Our quest on this day was to collect shattercones. The next post will be an image of one of the shattercones I collected on this field trip.

2011-11-26

autumn in the wetlands

autumn in the wetlands, a photo by Argon[one] on Flickr.

This was taken just minutes before sunset on a cool, 45ºF afternoon. The setting sun bathed the wetlands and the boardwalk in sepia tones. As the sun began to dip below the trees I had to turn around and head back to the parking area before reaching the river.

2011-11-22

the dunes

the dunes, a photo by Argon[one] on Flickr.

Between press checks on a recent trip to Erie, Pennsylvania, I had an opportunity to visit Presque Isle. The day was cold [40º] and very windy. I had to keep moving as I walked along the beach of Lake Erie to stay warm. Once I moved inland, the wind was not so much a factor and the hiking was very comfortable.

2011-11-19

bicycle

bicycle, a photo by Argon[one] on Flickr.

Taken on the blue trail bridge in the Lucius Burch Natural Area. I saw the bicyclist coming so I waited until he got on the bridge before clipping the shutter.

2011-11-14

mousetail landing

mousetail landing, a photo by Argon[one] on Flickr.

I took a day off from work to go to Mousetail Landing State Park and Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park to shoot fall pictures... sunny day, high around 60, no wind, just a great day all around.