Welcome to Iowa; home of the hawkeyes, cyclones, and the biggest asteroid impact crater in the U.S.

When this rock hit central Iowa, it leveled nearly everything within a two hundred-mile radius. But it also provided some unexpected lasting benefits to the area.

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credit: GeologyHub via YouTube
credit: GeologyHub via YouTube
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How Long Ago Did This Happen?

The giant asteroid struck the area around what is now Manson, Iowa way back during the Cretaceous Period, approximately 74 million years ago.

Credit: GeologyHub via YouTube
Credit: GeologyHub via YouTube
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How Big Is The Crater?

The crater is an astonishing 22 miles wide and nearly three thousand feet deep.

It wasn't discovered until 1959, because it was long ago buried in over 100 feet of sediment, due to glacial retreat.

credit: GeologyHub via YouTube
credit: GeologyHub via YouTube
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Did Iowa Look Different Back Then?

You bet it did. In fact, much of western Iowa was covered in a large inland sea. So was South Dakota, Nebraska, North Dakota, and part of western Minnesota.

Credit: GeologyHub via YouTube
Credit: GeologyHub via YouTube
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How Did This Effect The Water?

The impact incinerated all the limestone rock in the region, which is why this part of Iowa still has soft water to this very day. The rest of the state has hard water, because the limestone was left in tact.

For a full look at the asteroid's impact on the region, check out this fantastic YouTube video from Geology Hub.

Story Source: Geology Hub via YouTube

Worst Places to Live in South Dakota

A surprising town was named the worst place to live in all of South Dakota and the reason behind it is a bit unexpected.

Money Inc. made a list of the 20 worst cities and towns to live in all of South Dakota and no part of the state is left unmarked.

The list focused on a number of key factors, including crime rate, unemployment, low wages, and school funding.

So which city is the "worst" in South Dakota, according to the article? Read on:


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