Geologic Analysis of Impact Structures, Exploring Our Natural Resources
The new geology sub-discipline: impact crater tectonics
Impact Crater Studies Group
Impact Crater Tectonics is a provocative and scientifically grounded sub-discipline of geology that challenges the current geological paradigm of Plate Tectonics. Impact Tectonics recognizes that the terrestrial planets and moons in our solar system all share a common heritage, all endure similar geological processes, all suffered the same asteroid and meteor bombardments over the course of infinite time.
Earth is indeed unique, our beloved blue marble in the sky. But is it singularly unique with regard to geologic processes? Did water on Mars flow similarly to how it flows on Earth? Have we misled ourselves into believing the Earth consists of a puzzle of interlocking plates, some diving under continents to form volcanoes, others colliding with continents and forming mountains; when in fact those arcuate mountain ranges coincide with impact crater rims and volcanic flows leak from fissures in the Earth caused by bolide impact?
If interested in this topic, commence study. Read. Observe. Dream. And above all have fun. And if you catch the bug and want more, drop a note, accompany us on one of our field trips to impact craters, collaborate with anyone who will listen. Above all, live outside that box. And if you do live outside that box, you'll know you are on the right track when the gatekeepers chuckle when they present you your very own tin foil hat.
Reviews of "Decoding astrobleme potential"
Review 1
"The next big leap."
A great read for geologists and scientists alike. The book reads quite well with fascinating sections drawing connections between impact craters and nuclear testing. Mr. Buthman's grasp on geology is second to none and while his hypotheses are not aligned with current accepted industry/academic models, his concepts and ideas beg scientists and enthusiasts alike to think outside the box and discover enormous potential. -Ben Siks, August 18, 2025.
Review 2
D.B. Buthman’s book "Decoding Astrobleme Potential" describes an alternative approach for locating earth’s vital resources through the study of astroblemes. Astroblemes are eroded craters that are formed when asteroids, meteorites or comets impact the Earth. This book convincingly argues that future resource exploration must harness the oil, gas and mineral potential of those impact craters.
This is science writing at its very best. The book is packed with facts and analysis for experts while remaining accessible to lay readers. Our planet’s growing need to identify alternative sources of sustainable energy should position this book near the top of everyone’s reading list.
Oddly, the importance of astroblemes for resource exploration seems to have been largely missed by the mainstream orthodoxy. However, the fact and analysis presentation in this new book should trigger a reexamination of the orthodoxy. To its credit, the book is well organized and never gets lost in its voluminous presentation of facts and analysis. It also contains a helpful collection photographs and diagrams to illustrate technical points for the lay reader.
This book is well-written and is also highly entertaining. The author has been “in the field” for over forty years and has many interesting tales to tell. Where else could you turn for a vivid explanation of what happens below the surface during an underground nuclear test? To learn what finds at “Baby Head Hill Cemetery” in Texas? Or to learn about reidite, a rare mineral the world’s known supply of which would fit under your finger nail?
This book will leave you feeling more hopeful. While we might well wonder whether current efforts to harvest renewable energy sources will be sufficient, it is encouraging to find that someone is seeking energy solutions outside the box. Buthman is optimistic and enthusiastic about the resource potential of astrobleme exploration. This is a feel-good geology book and well worth a read.
-J. Horstman, July 8, 2025
Review 3
Very inspiring work. I hope it inspires the future generation of geologists to include Impact Tectonics as a critical part of their tool box.
-G.C. Herman, August 10, 2025.
Reviews of "Impact Crater Tectonics"
Review 1
A must read for any geologist or adjacent professions. Provocative & heretical ideas in this book, but Dave constructs his arguments / logic so well that it cannot be ignored and even the most fundamental geologist has to at least question what they've been taught. Most interesting read I've had in years, but I'm just a driller.
- J. Lawley, June 12, 2025
Review 3
"It's a great read. Haven't enjoyed one this much since John McPhee's, "In Suspect Terrain.""
-T. Shaw, April 13, 2022
Review 2
It's refreshing to see the issue of tectonic catastrophism raised and illustrated for Earth. This work elevates the awareness of extraterrestrial bombardment into a more prominent place when considering Earthly tectonics. It also raises a very profound concern regarding current tectonic theories' adherence to geological uniformitarianism.
-Dr. G.C. Herman, June 20, 2022
Review 4
I read this book with great interest. It brings together a plethora of data and examples demonstraing a crucial role in some cases of the presence of a meteorite crater in developing oil, gas, and mineral accumulations. There are several good examples demonstrating the relationship of craters helping in forming traps to aid in accumulations of minerals and petroleum. This is a good addition to any resource library.
-Orion555, November 11, 2022
Review 5
"Plate Tectonics is dead!"
It's so logical."
- M. DeBolt, June 26, 2022
Review 6
...While plate tectonics is superior to the "Dental Theory" ... it is inferior to Impact Accretion Tectonics. Do yourself a favor and read this modern theory book: Impact Crater Tectonics: The Future of Resource Exploration.
-L. Isham, September 9, 2023
Who We are
David Buthman has over 4 decades of oil and gas exploration and development experience working for Unocal, Chevron, and Hilcorp. Although still working "special projects" for large clients, he spends his time furthering the nascent subdiscipline of geology: Impact Crater Tectonics.
G.C. Herman, PhD: A professional geologist that has mapped and researched Appalachian geology for over three decades with the New Jersey Geological Survey. He taught Earth Science as an adjunct professor at various colleges, and has been recently conducting geoarchaeological research and writing about his findings. His research and publications are on-line through www.impacttectonics.org.
Lindell C. Bridges: President of Pure Earth Resources, a geoscience firm with offices in Edmond, Oklahoma, and Sharpsville, Pennsylvania. By education and training, Lindell is a geologist with more than forty-one years of experience in development and exploration in the oil and gas industry in addition to a few mining projects. About half of his career has been working unconventional plays.
Mike Horstman, off-road driver and drone pilot extraordinaire. Thank you Mikey!
A special thanks to all our alien friends out there, especially at Area 51, Rachel, and lurking around the Faultless nuclear test site.
All collaborators Welcome!
Current collaborations:
David B. Buthman
Gregory C. Herman
Samuel Epstein
Lindell C. Bridges
Radu Girbacea
Lee Isham
Dirk Bodnar
Roger Sassen
Jonathan Lawley (future field study)
Kyle Holewinski (future field study)