Strewn field map
A strewn field map shows where the pieces of a meteorite fall were found, often in an ellipse with the largest at one end.
A strewn field map plots the locations of every fragment recovered from a meteorite fall. Most strewn fields form an elongated ellipse along the direction the meteoroid was travelling. Because heavier fragments keep their momentum longer, they usually land at the far end, while smaller pieces drop earlier and fall nearer the start.
Maps help scientists understand how the meteoroid broke apart and how winds affected the pieces during dark flight. They also guide searchers: once a few pieces have been found, the map shows where others are likely to be.
Famous strewn fields include Sikhote-Alin in Russia, from 1947, roughly 1 by 2 kilometres; Gibeon in Namibia, about 275 by 100 kilometres, the result of a prehistoric fall; and Chelyabinsk, from 2013, with fragments spread over tens of kilometres. Keeping accurate records of where each piece was found, with GPS coordinates and photographs, is one of the most valuable things a hunter can do.
Related terms
Level: Explorer Ages 10 and up