Exploring the Chicxulub Impact: An Overview

  • Thread starter matt_crouch
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Impact
In summary, the Chicxulub impact was a massive asteroid impact that occurred in the Yucatan Peninsula approximately 66 million years ago, marking the end of the Cretaceous period and the beginning of the Paleogene period. The asteroid was estimated to be about 10-15 kilometers in diameter and caused widespread destruction and extinction of plant and animal species on Earth. Evidence of the impact includes a large crater, high levels of iridium, and the presence of impact-related minerals. Studying the Chicxulub impact can provide valuable insights into the history and evolution of our planet, as well as the potential risks of asteroid impacts.
  • #1
matt_crouch
161
1
Has anyone got any good break down on what happens during and impact. I am using my example of Chicxulub I've seen the wikipedia and there is a good animation on there has anyone know where i can find some still diagrams ?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
You can't go far wrong if you start with the work of Eugene Shoemaker. Try http://articles.adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-iarticle_query?1983AREPS..11..461S&data_type=PDF_HIGH&whole_paper=YES&type=PRINTER&filetype=.pdf"
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #3


I am familiar with the Chicxulub impact and its significance in Earth's history. The Chicxulub impact is one of the largest and most studied impact events on Earth, occurring approximately 66 million years ago. It is believed to have been caused by an asteroid or comet measuring about 10-15 kilometers in diameter, which struck the Yucatan Peninsula in modern-day Mexico.

The impact of the Chicxulub asteroid had a catastrophic effect on the Earth's environment, leading to the mass extinction of the majority of plant and animal species, including the dinosaurs. The impact released an enormous amount of energy, causing widespread earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions. The resulting debris and dust cloud blocked out the sun, leading to a global cooling and disrupted photosynthesis, ultimately causing the collapse of the food chain.

To understand the impact of the Chicxulub event, scientists have used various methods, including computer simulations and geological studies of the impact site. One useful resource for understanding the event is the animation on Wikipedia, which provides a visual representation of the impact and its effects. In addition, there are a number of scientific papers and articles that provide detailed information and diagrams on the Chicxulub impact. These can be found through a simple online search or through scientific databases.

In conclusion, the Chicxulub impact is an essential event in Earth's history, and its study has provided valuable insights into the dynamics of impact events and their effects on our planet. I would recommend exploring scientific articles and resources to gain a better understanding of the event and its impact on life on Earth.
 

FAQ: Exploring the Chicxulub Impact: An Overview

What is the Chicxulub impact?

The Chicxulub impact refers to the massive asteroid impact that occurred in the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico about 66 million years ago. It is believed to have caused the mass extinction of dinosaurs and other species, marking the end of the Cretaceous period and the beginning of the Paleogene period.

How big was the asteroid that caused the Chicxulub impact?

The asteroid that caused the Chicxulub impact is estimated to have been about 10-15 kilometers in diameter. This is equivalent to the size of a small city and it was traveling at a speed of approximately 20 kilometers per second.

What evidence do we have of the Chicxulub impact?

Scientists have found several pieces of evidence that support the theory of the Chicxulub impact. These include a large crater in the Yucatan Peninsula, high levels of iridium (an element rare on Earth but common in meteorites), and the presence of shocked quartz and other impact-related minerals in the surrounding areas.

How did the Chicxulub impact affect the Earth?

The Chicxulub impact had a significant impact on the Earth, causing widespread destruction of land and marine habitats. The impact also triggered tsunamis, earthquakes, and wildfires, leading to the extinction of about 75% of plant and animal species on Earth. It also caused a global cooling period that lasted for several years.

How does studying the Chicxulub impact help us understand our planet?

Studying the Chicxulub impact can provide valuable insights into the history of our planet and the processes that have shaped it over millions of years. It can also help us understand the effects of large-scale asteroid impacts and the potential risks they pose to life on Earth. Additionally, studying the Chicxulub impact can provide information about the evolution of life and how species adapt to environmental changes.

Similar threads

Replies
15
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
8
Views
5K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
6
Views
2K
Back
Top