METEORITES: A Transition from Geo-Hazards loss to Geo-Tourism gains

Document Type : Review Articles

Authors

1 Geology Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Egypt

2 Geology Department, Faculty of Science, Aden University, Yemen

3 Geology Department, Faculty of Science, New Valley University, El Kharga, Egypt

Abstract

Meteorites are extraterrestrial objects (rocks) that go towards the atmosphere and then strike the Earth and other planets. The origin is related to asteroid belts located between Jupiter and Mars Planets. Almost all meteorites have very high speed, according to the meteorite size and weight, when they come from outer orbitals to elsewhere (ranging from 4 to 40 km/second), therefore they carry powerful energy of pressure and temperature. Regarding the meteors striking the Earth, the geo-hazard loss has caused atmosphere combustion, forest burning (if falls on wood area), extreme damage to the entire area, and tsunami of variable intensity if slammed into the marine environment. On the contrary, geo-tourism gains include impact craters (if present) that are considered to be touristic and protected areas, valuable iron-nickel and gem types that have been sold in international meteorites trade and shops, meteorite museums and fairs as well as geo-parks. We conclude that the advantages of the meteorites are more valuable and constructive if compared with their disadvantages related to geo-hazards loss.

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