粘土鉱物
These minerals indicate that water was present for a time. Evidence of smectite clay was found around the central uplift of the crater in a geologic unit that was probably formed as a consequence of the impact. The heat of the impact allowed liquid water to be present long enough to turn minerals into clay. Researchers at Brown University discovered impact melt deposits containing clay minerals in Ritchey Crater. Impact melt forms when rock melted during an impact cools and hardens. Clay minerals found within these deposits probably formed after the impact event.