A Geophysical Survey of the Kentland Crater Formation

We conducted a paired gravity and seismic survey at Kentland Crater with the goal of investigating its subsurface density structure. Our results show that the complex crater hosts a ~4.5 mGal Bouguer gravity high corresponding to the central uplift. The southeastern portion of the crater structure exhibits a low-gravity annulus at 3.5–4.5 km radius, with an adjacent high that we define as the rim at ~5.0 km radius, implying a 10 km apparent diameter. Passive seismic data is used to characterize the low-density glacial till layer, which blankets the bedrock throughout the study area. The central gravity anomaly persists after removing the gravitational influence of the till layer. Kentland’s large, positive central gravity anomaly is likely due to the removal of the low-density material beneath the original crater floor by extensive erosion via glacial scouring. We therefore suggest that the impact-induced porosity at Kentland Crater was likely confined to the original near-surface (<900 m), which aligns with recent numerical modeling. Due to the wide range of diameter estimates, we conclude that the current geometry of Kentland Crater remains ill-defined. Compiled datasets are provided here for use in future investigations.