Conference report: Large Meteorite Impacts and Planetary Evolution VI

The sixth Large Meteorite Impacts and Planetary Evolution Conference (LMI VI), held in Brasilia, Brazil, from September 30 to October 3, 2019, marked a significant milestone as the first dedicated impact cratering meeting on the South American continent. The conference brought together 90 participants from 21 countries, presenting 121 abstracts and featuring specialized workshops on advanced microtextural analysis and shock metamorphism recognition. Key discussions highlighted the importance of electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) in identifying shock effects and dating accessory minerals, while also emphasizing traditional optical microscopy techniques for impact studies. The conference also addressed the need for intercalibration of shock barometry methods and proposed a formal approach to the Meteoritical Society for updating the terrestrial cratering database. Post-conference excursions to Brazilian impact structures, including Araguainha Dome and Vargeão/Vista Alegre, provided field-based discussions on impact-induced deformation and its implications for planetary studies. LMI VI successfully fostered international collaborations and advanced impact research in South America, with plans for a proceedings volume continuing the tradition of previous conferences.

Gibson, R., Reimold, W. U., Hauser, N., & Yokoyama, E. (2019). Conference report: Large Meteorite Impacts and Planetary Evolution VI. Meteoritics & Planetary Science, 55(1), 245–250. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.13419