Viewfield Impact Structure

(49°35’N; 103°34’W). Viewfield Impact Structure is one of five verified meteorite impact structures in Saskatchewan, and an example of one of the 150 known sites in the world. Other confirmed meteor impact structures in Saskatchewan are Carswell, Gow Lake, Deep Bay, and Maple Creek. Viewfield Impact Structure is located south of the town of Stoughton. It was discovered in 1972 during oilfield drilling activity. It is 2.4 km in diameter, and 100 m deep from the top of the rim to the bottom of the structure. The impact event occurred in the Early Jurassic period, about 190 million years ago. None of the features of the structure is visible on the surface, as the crater is buried under 1,000 m of overburden.

Another name for meteor crater is astrobleme, derived from the Greek words for star (astron) and wound (blema). Astroblemes can be important sources of minerals: the Viewfield Structure forms a trap for hydrocarbons, and is an important source of oil. With over fifty active wells in its rim and a reserve of 27 million barrels, it accumulates 400 barrels per day.

Gregory Salmers