Possible Meteorite Impact Crater in

St. Helena Parish, Louisiana

Paul V. Heinrich
Between 1996 and 1997, Richard P. McCulloh, the author, and m) of laminated silts and clays that underlie these sands were found in
John Snead of the Louisiana Geological Survey compiled McCulloh et the Kentwood Brick and Tile Company brick pit lying just east of this
al. (1 997). This research revealed an anomalous circular feature, which feature. They consist of meter-thick, fining upward, cyclic beds of
McCulloh et al. (1 997) mapped as "Quaternary undifferentiated, II south- laminated silt and clay. Discussions with the staff at the Kentwood Brick
west of Greensburg, Louisiana, in the southwest corner of St. Helena and Tile Company revealed that drilling indicated that these sediments
ll
Parish. This feature is named the "Brushy Creek feature for the occur on either side of this feature, but are absent within it. Very little is
headwaters of Brushy Creek, which lie within this feature. known about the sediments of the Citronelle Formation underlying the
silts and clays.
The regional landscape consists of narrow, closely spaced ridges
and deeply cut valleys. The regional relief is about 90 to 1 10ft (27 to Within the area of the Brushy Creek feature, about 6 to 7 mi (1 0 to
34 m). Drainages exhibit rectilinear patterns that often form well-defined 11 km) of older Cenozoic to Mesozoic sediments underlie the Citronelle'
lineaments. Within this area, erosion has destroyed all construction Formation. The uppermost 11,000 to 12,000 ft (3,350 to 3,660 m)
topography except possibly for concordant summits along the major drain- of these sediments consists of Cenozoic sediments of the Midway, Wilcox,
age divides. Claiborne, Jackson, and Vicksburg groups and undifferentiated
Neogene strata. The undifferentiated Neogene sediments consist of
Within this region of narrow, closely spaced ridges and stream siliciclastic sediments lacking any significant carbonates. These strata
valleys, the Brushy Creek feature occurs as a noticeable circular "hole ll dip homoclinally to the southwest and lack any indication of major
about 1.2 mi (2 km) in diameter. Its rim has a relief of about 50 ft (15 faulting or salt structures (Howe 1962, Bebout and Gutierrez 1983).
m) and exhibits a slightly polygonal shape (Figure 1). The main channel
of Brushy Creek has breached the feature's southeast rim and drains Field studies indicated that the rim of the Brushy Creek feature
its interior. consists of massive silty sand and sandy silt, in which a mature soil
profile with well-developed A and B horizons has developed. The
The Brushy Creek feature only complete exposure occurs on the feature's northwest distal edge.
lies in the region, which Snead It consists of 7 to 10ft (2 to 3 m) of massive silty sand and sandy silt
and McCulloh (1984) and overlying 5- to 1 2-in (1 3- to 30-cm) thick bed of gravelly mud. The
Mossa and Autin (1989) gravelly mud contains abundant rounded clasts of mud, clay, and
mapped as the "high terraces;' frequently magnetic ironstone nodules. It lies directly on the
Pliocene fluvial sediments of the truncated surface of deeply weathered, cross-bedded, and highly
Citronelle Formation underlie fractured Citronelle Formation. Within the silty sand and sandy silt,
the high terrac_es.Regionally, an 8 in (20 cm) thick zone contains numerous rounded, dime-size,
they consist largely ofvaregated and matrix supported clasts of purple silty clay derived from the
and mottled, poorly sorted, fine- underlying Citronelle Formation.
to very coarse-grained, sandy
gravel, gravelly sand, sand, and Numerous sediment samples were collected for study from the
minor beds of silt, clay, and mud. rim and interior of the Brushy Creek feature. Additional sediments
Typically, individual beds are were collected from a bar in Brushy Creek downstream of where it
have limited vertical and lateral cuts deeply into the rim of this feature. Within a radius of 1.5 to 4.5
extent. As classified by Folk miles (2.4 to 7.2 km) of the Brushy Creek feature and at two locali-
(1980), the sand within the Figure 1. A digital elevation model of LlDAR ties at greater distances, sediment samples were collected from out-
(Light Detection and Ranging) data from the
Citronelle Formation consist of southwest quarter of the Greensburg 7.S-minute crops of the Citronelle Formation. Finally, dozen of ironstone nodules
quartzarenites to sublitharenites quadrangle; downloaded from the Atlas: The from exposures and streambeds draining this feature were collected.
that completely lack feldspar. Louisiana Statewide GIS website (http://
Within the area of this feature, atlas.lsu.edu) and viewed with MacDEM Viewer. All samples were processed to separate the sand fraction. Then,
the Citronelle Formation is the sand from each sample was separated into 1 8 to 60 mesh (0.0
about 300 to 350 ft (91 to 107 m) thick (Campbell 1971, Mossa and to 2.0 phi), and 60 to 200 mesh (2.0 to 3.75 phi), fractions by dry
Autin 1989). sieving. Petrographic thin sections were made from these fractions for
each sample and from, for selected samples, intact clods.
According to Mossa and Autin (1989), over 6 ft (2 m) of loess
blankets the Citronelle Formation within the region of the Brushy Creek Both outside and inside the Brushy Creek feature, the sand
feature. This loess consists of both Late Wisconsinan Peoria Loess and consisted of subangular to well-rounded, quartzarenite to sublitharenite
underlying older Sicily Island Loess. However, soil descriptions in sand containing about 90 to 95 percent quartz. Except for two samples
McDaniel (1996) and examination of local soil profiles indicated that from the rim of this feature, neither feldspar nor mica was noted in these
the actual loess thickness within the area of the Brushy Creek feature is samples. Some of the sand associated with the Brushy Creek feature
about 3 ft (1 m). exhibited ragged edges reSUlting from disintegration of sand grains
during processing.
Field investigations found that the Citronelle Formation within the
area of the Brushy Creek feature consists of poorly sorted, fine- to coarse- Within samples from the Brushy Creek feature and Brushy Creek,
grained sand overlying laminated clays and silts. The sand is 30 to 40 ft intensely fractured quartz occurred in variable proportions. Both
(9 to 12 m) thick and consists of deeply weathered, reddish brown, rectilinear fractures and interlocking, irregular network of fractures were
fine- to very coarse-grained, moderately well-sorted sand. In outcrops, found (Figures 2 and 3). Kieffer (1 971) and Shoemaker and Kieffer
the sand can be both massive and cross-bedded. About least, 20 ft (6 ( 1 979) illustrated similar intensely fractured sand from shocked Coconino

The Louisiana Geological Survey News

3
 Sandstone from Barringer (Meteor) Crater in Arizona. Also, Dr. W.
Feathergale Wilson (2002, per. commun.) has observed similarly frac-
tured quartz from the Bee Bluff Impact Structure in Texas. The presence
of iron oxides coating fractures in deeply weathered grain shows that
they are not artifacts of thin-section preparation. In contrast, none of the
control samples showed the intensity of fracturing observed in samples
associated with the Brushy Creek feature.

Shocked quartz occurs in samples from sand collected from the

alluvium of Brushy Creek. It consists of several quartz grains with single
and two sets of planar features (Figure 4). The average orientation of
quartz grains with two sets of planar is 45 degrees and 33 degrees
which, respectively, are the {1 012} and {1122} crystalligraphic orien-
tations (Stephen Benoist 2003, per. commun.). As discussed by Koerbel
(1997) and Stoffler and Langenhorst (1994), both orientations are
characteristic of planar deformation features (PDF) created by -shock
metamorphism. The multiple grains found with PDFs and planar
features argued against them having been reworked from distant sources,
e.g., a Cretaceous - Tertiary boundary layer. Instead, it indicates that they
Figure 2. Intensely fractured coarse-grained sand from within
the Brushy Creek feature, locality 165HPQ. Opaque material came from a nearby primary source, i.e., the upstream Brushy Creek
filling fractures consists of iron-oxides that accumulated along feature. Sand from the gravelly mud within the feature's rim
them as the result of later weathering. contains numerous quartz grains with planar fractures that are
currently under study.

Numerous ironstone nodules were cut and examined and, some-

times either thin sectioned or tested for high concentrations of nickel
using dimethylglyoxime. Highly weathered meteorites, called "iron shale"
or "shale balls" were not found. Instead, the ironstone nodules examined
were all pedogenic in origin as the nodules typically found in local soils.

A number of processes, including salt diapirism, solution karst, and

volcanism, can produce circular landforms, similar to the Brushy Creek
feature. Because this feature lies in a portion of the Louisiana Gulf Coastal
Plain devoid of salt diapirs and major salt structures, salt diapirism
cannot be invoked ,to explain this feature; Similar, the complete absence
of volcanic sediments from this feature and the complete absence of
Pleistocene and Holocene volcanism within Louisiana Gulf Coastal Plain
also precludes this feature from being a volcanic maar. Similarly, the lack
of significant carbonates within the upper 11,000 to 1 2,000 ft (3,350
to 3,660 m) precludes carbonate karst processes as an explanation.

Figure 3. Intensely fractured, coarse-grained quartz exhibiting Siliclastic karst can create landforms similar to the Brushy Creek
rectilinear fractures from location 165APD. Viewed in feature, as discussed by (May and Warne 1999) for the origin of the
polarized light. Carolina Bays within the Atlantic Coastal Plain and circular depressions
found within the Mississippi and Alabama coastal plains. However,
siliciclastic karst develops on flat, poorly drained, and undissected geo-
morphic surfaces lacking well-defined drainage systems. In contrast, the
Brushy Creek feature occurs within an area that is deeply dissected and
drains well. Such relief and well-developed drainage systems would cause
lateral flow of surface and near-surface water, and erosion and greatly
inhibit the vertical-drainage weathering needed to create siliciclastic karst
(May and Warne 1999). The Brushy Creek feature also is an isolated
circular landform unlike siliclastic karst, e.g., the Carolina Bays, which
occur typically as clusters of multiple depressions. Lastly, the siliciclastic
karst hypothesis fails to explain the direct association of shocked and
intensively fractured quartz with the Brushy Creek feature.

The hypothesis that the Brushy Creek feature was created by either
a meteorite or comet impact and, in fact, is the Brushy Creek Impact
Crater, is the most promising hypothesis. The Brushy Creek feature
constitutes a well defined unique "hole" in the regional topography, which
Figure 4. Coarse grain of shocked quartz exhibiting two sets of appears to be associated with a "hole" in the local stratigraphy. The pres-
PDFs from location 165APA. Note dissolution of quartz grain ence of feldspars and mica in two samples from the rim of this features
and accumulation of iron oxides along PDFs. Viewed in indicates that less-weathered sediments from strata underlying the
polarized light.
Citronelle Formation have been brought to the surface from hundreds
of feet below the surface. All of these observations are consistent with

The Louisiana Geological Survey News

4
....................................----~--------------------------~--------~-----~ ----~ ~

the formation of the Brushy Creek feature by impact processes. The Mossa, J., and Autin, w.J., 1 989, Quaternary geomorphology and stratigraphy of the Florida parishes
southeastern Louisiana. Louisiana Geological Survey Guidebook Series no. 5, 98 p. '
intensively fractured nature of the quartz sand from the rim of this
McCulloh, RP., Heinrich, P.V., and Snead, J., compilers, 1997, Amite, Louisiana 30 x 60 minute
feature and the presence of shocked quartz provide direct evidence geologic quadrangle (preliminary): Prepared in cooperation with U.S. Geological Survey,
of impact processes. STATEMAP program, under cooperative agreement no. 1434-HQ-96-AG-01490, 1: 100,000-
scale map plus explanation and notes.

If it is an impact crater, the age of the Brushy Creek feature remains Shoemaker, E.M., and Kieffer, S.W., 1979, Guidebook to the Geology of Meteor Crater, Arizona:
Publication No. 1 7, Center for Meteorite Studies, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, 65 p.
unresolved. The age of the Citronelle Formation provides a maximum
Snead, J.I., and McCulloh, RP., 1984, Geologic Map of Louisiana: Louisiana Geological Survey,
age of about 1.9 million years for it. Judging from the degree of Baton Rouge.
preservation of constructional landforms on terraces forming the Stoffler, D., and Langenhorst. F., 1994. Shock metamorphism of quartz in nature and experiment. 1.
surfaces of the Avoyelles and Deweyville Allogroups, the presence of a Basic observation and theory: Meteoritics. v. 29, p. 155-181.

recognizable rim on the Brushy Creek feature indicates that it is likely

less than 20- to 30-thousand years old. An apparent absence of loess
New Publications
covering its rim would argue for it being less than 13,000- to 11 ,000-
years old. However, loess might only appear to be absent because it has
Guidebook Series
been either mixed by pedogenic processes into the underlying rim
Harry H. Roberts and John Sneider, 2003, Atchafa/aya-Wax Lake
deposits; eroded off by surface processes; difficult to distinguish from
Delta: The New Regressive Phase of the Mississippi River
the silty rim sediments, or some combination of these.
Delta Complex: Louisiana Geological Survey, Guidebook
At this time, the author and other researchers are conducting Series #6, 68 p.
ongoing and planning future research of the Brushy Creek feature. For Brian E. Lock and Don H. Kupfer, 2003, Salt Mines of South
example, John Wrenn of the Louisiana State University (LSU) Depart- Louisiana: Louisiana Geological Survey, Guidebook Series #7,
ment of Geology and Geophysics and the author are looking at various 85 p.
ways to date it. Douglas Carlson, Richard McCulloh, and the author are
considering the use of various geophysical techniques with the LGS Geological Pamphlet Series
Giddings Soil Probe to study the internal structure of this feature. Finally,
Dirk Nolf, 2003, Revision of the American Otolith-based Fish
Stephen Benoit of the LSU Department of Geology and Geophysics
Species described by Koken in 1888: Louisiana Geological
and the author are studying evidence of shock metamorphism in samples
Survey, Geological Pamphlet #12, 19 p.
from the Brushy Creek feature. A preliminary report on the Brushy Creek
feature will be presented as a poster at the October 2003 Gulf Coast Dirk Nolf and Gary L. Stringer, 2003, Late Eocene (Priabonian)
Association of Geological Societies Annual Convention in Baton Rouge, Fish Otoliths from the Yazoo Clay at Copenhagen, Louisiana:
Louisiana. Additional papers concerning the results of the above ongo- Louisiana Geological Survey, Geological Pamphlet # 13, 23 p.
ing research are planned.
Educational Series
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Riley Milner - A Guide to the Rocks and Minerals of Louisiana:
, Geologic mapping funded' by the United States Geological Survey, STATEMAP program, under
cooperative agreement 1434-HQ-96-AG-01490, first discovered the Brushy Creek feature was made
Louisiana Geological Survey, Educational Series #3,36 p.
in the course. Current research was conducted with the encouragement of Chacko John, director of the
Louisiana Geological Survey (LGS) and direct support of the LGS. David T. King Jr., Donald R Lowe,
Call Patrick O'Neill to order LGS
Don Johnson, W. Feathergale Wilson, and RP. McCUlloh were quite helpful with their opinions and publications at (225) 578-8590 or Atchafalaya-Wa.x Lake Deltas
encouragement. I also acquired useful advice about identification of shocked quartz from Christian Koerbel,
Scott Harris, and Stephen Benoist. The LSU Department of Geology and Geophysics helped out with
e-mail [email protected]) 1h~ N~ Rrgtc!'liT<" I'hue <If the r>U<Jin-if'pi Rhu Ddu C..mpll'."

access to their photomicroscope and preparation of several thin-sections. The excellent quality of thin-
sections prepared by National Petrographic Services, Inc. proved important to my research. Finally, I am
very thankful to the Kentwood Brick and Tile Company: William A Gehee of Greensburg, Louisiana: and
Soterra LLC, inc. of Jackson, Mississippi, for access to their property and their excellent and
invaluable cooperation.

DEDICATION

This and ongoing research at the Brushy Creek feature is dedicated to the memory, courage, and
curiosity of the crew of Space Shuttle Columbia (STS-1 07) and to the manned exploration of space by
aslronauts and cosmonauts of all nations, creeds, and races of which they were a part.

REFERENCES

Bebout, D.G., and Gutierrez, D.R, 1983, Regional cross sections Louisiana Gulf Coast {eastern part}:
Louisiana Geological Survey Folio series. no. 6., 11 p.

Campbell, C.L., 1971, The gravel deposits of St. Helena and Tangipahoa parishes: Ph.D. dissertation.
Department of Geology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, 295 p.

Folk, RL., 1980, Petrology of Sedimentary Rocks. Hemphill Publishing Company. 184 p.

Howe, H.J., 1962, Subsurface geology of St. Helena, Tangipahoa, Washington and St. Tammany
parishes, Louisiana. Transactions of the Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies. v. 7, pp.
121-135.

Kieffer, S.W., 1971, I. Shock metamorphism of the Coconino Sandstone at Meteor Crater, Arizona. II.
Specific heat of solids of geophysical interest: Ph.D. Dissertation. California Institute of Technology,
Pasadena, California, p. 1 91.
Revision t1fthcAmerican
Koerbel, C., 1997, Impact cratering: the mineralogical and geochemical evidence. , in K. S. Johnson Otolith~based
and J. A Campbell, eds., Ames Structure in Northwest Oklahoma and Similar Features: origin and
Petroleum Production (1995 Symposium): Oklahoma Geological Survey Circular, no. 100, p.
30-54.

May, J.H., and Warne, AG., 1999, Hydrologic and geochemical factors required for the development
of Carolina Bays along the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain, U.S.A. Engineering Geology. v. 5, p.
61-270.

McDaniel, D.,1996, Soil survey of St. Helena Parish, Louisiana: Natural Resources Conservation
Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. p. 143

The Louisiana Geological Survey News

5