Impact cratering is the scientific study of the formation, characteristics, and effects of impact craters on planetary surfaces, including Earth. Impact craters are formed when an extraterrestrial object, such as a meteoroid, asteroid, or comet, collides with a planetary surface at high speeds, creating a crater of varying size and shape. Researchers in the field of impact cratering study the geological features of impact craters, such as their morphology, size, depth, and distribution, to understand the processes involved in their formation. They also investigate the effects of impact craters on the environment, such as seismic activity, the release of greenhouse gases, and the potential for mass extinction events. The study of impact cratering has important implications for understanding the history of planetary formation and the role of impacts in shaping planetary surfaces. It also has practical applications, such as in assessing the potential threat of asteroid impacts on Earth and planning for planetary defense strategies.