A STUDY OF A CIRCULAR FEATURE IN YATES CO. WESTERN NEW YORK

The origin of a circular feature located at the southwest margin of Canandaigua Lake, NY is presented. The feature is located at the intersection of South Hill Road and Widmer Road in Yates County, NY at a latitude of 42° 40.0' north and 77° 20.4' west longitude. The feature is observed on Google Earth as a circular depression with a diameter of 1,500 feet and a depth of 300 feet. Some explanations of its origin are a meteorite crater, landslide, and archaeological site.

The study of the area began with a Google Map image presented by a local contractor. The image showed what seemed to be a circular outline of a possible crater in the area. Imagery of the area was obtained and utilized in ArcGIS. This imagery showed large concentration of inorganic material on the north end of the site in turquoise color and organic material in red color. Comparison of this data with infrared imagery in the material enabled us to see physical changes in the area.

Field investigations in the area were used to take many photos and panoramic images. The photos showed many trees tilted indicating the feature is possibly the result of a landslide. Field studies also revealed six rows of rock piles separated twenty feet apart on the NE side and piles of rocks three feet high and eighteen feet long on the west side. These rock piles are interpreted as being manmade in origin. Archaeological colleagues have been contacted to determine the origin of these features. Further research on the local history of the area through local archaeological departments is planned.