Barringer

Barringer is a surname of English origin. It has been borne by various individuals across different fields, including business, science, and public life. In addition to its use as a family name, Barringer is associated with a notable geological landmark in the United States.

Barringer Crater, commonly known as Meteor Crater, is a well-preserved meteorite impact crater located in northern Arizona. It measures about 1,200 meters in diameter and rises roughly 170 meters above the surrounding plain. The crater floor is irregular and partly filled with ejecta deposits. It is estimated to have formed about 50,000 years ago when a nickel-iron meteorite struck the region. The site is a major natural feature and a popular field site for scientists and a tourist destination.

The crater was studied extensively in the early 20th century by Daniel Moreau Barringer, an American mining engineer and entrepreneur who argued for an impact origin of the feature. His advocacy helped establish the crater’s significance and contributed to its later naming. Because of his role in promoting the impact hypothesis, the site is often referred to as Barringer Crater, although the official name remains Meteor Crater. The Barringer name thus bridges both a family heritage and a landmark that has informed public understanding of planetary impact processes.

Overall, Barringer denotes a surname with historical associations and a prominent natural landmark in Arizona that highlights the scientific study of meteorite impacts.