HW_Impact Simulator Kyle

EES 0836 Impact Simulator Disasters: Geology vs. Hollywood Introduction As we have discussed in class, the Earth has been hit by objects from space in the past, and it will be hit again in the future. Now, we don’t know what this would look like, but we make some predictions on the effects of the impact through modeling. In this activity, you will be using an impact simulator to see what would happen if/when the Earth is hit by another object from space . Learning Objectives ● Visualize how different size objects can impact the Earth. (1, a) ● Apply students’ understanding of recurrence interval and probability. (1, 2, 5, a) ● Critically analyze governments’ role in preventing hazards. (2, 5, a, b) Part 1 : The simulator This activity uses the website simulator Down2Earth . You can vary any facet of an asteroid impact and see the damage that results. Before we begin, I encourage you to play around with the website. Change the parameters (distance from the impact site, etc.), look at the data view, etc., just to get acquainted with the details of the simulator . For this activity, we are standardizing certain details. A couple things before you get started: pay attention to units (i.e. km, mi, in, ft, etc.) and click on the “data view” for impact details . Parameters : ● Select “Earth” and click “ Start ” ● Trajectory angle: 45° ● Projectile velocity: 25 km/s ● Projectile density: dense rock ● Target density: sedimentary Meteorite 1 Set Projectile diameter to: 100 m 1. How big is the crater? Depth: 190 m, Width: 893 m Depth: 0.11 mile(s), Width: 0.55 mile(s) Click on “ Data View ” 1. What happens to the impactor? The projectile reaches the ground in a broken condition. The mass of the projectile strikes the surface at a velocity of 9.54 km/s 2. What type of damage would you expect to see at a distance of 5 km? Small buildings made of primarily wood would collapse, windows and bridges would collapse, trees would blow away. 3. What type of damage would you expect to see at a distance of 25 km?