Interpreting the Geomorphology of Carolina Bays as Secondary Impact Structures

This study examines the Carolina Bays and Nebraska Rainwater Basins, using high-resolution LiDAR elevation models to analyze their unique shapes. The research reveals that well-preserved Bays exhibit precise elliptical geometry, distinguishing them from various oriented lakes they are often compared to. While the timing of their formation is discussed, the primary goal of this paper is to establish a repeatable method for quantifying the elliptical nature of these dominant geomorphic landforms. By applying the least squares method to points selected along the perimeters of these extraordinary basins, the study confirms their elliptical geometry with an error margin of less than 3%. This rigorous mathematical approach sets a high standard for any hypothesis attempting to explain the origin of these depressions using natural environmental conditions. Notably, the long axes of these elliptical basins converge near the Great Lakes region, and since ellipses can be described as conic sections, this finding supports the plausibility of a cosmic impact origin. The study suggests that these basins may be secondary impact features formed during a past glacial cycle of the Laurentide Ice Sheet. This research establishes a strong mathematical foundation to support future studies on the possible impact origin of the Carolina Bays and Nebraska Rainwater Basins.