Long before life as we know it arose on Earth, meteorite impacts against the planet were common. 3.26 billion years ago a rock measuring approximately Everest four times and is still the subject of research by scientists who suggest that there may have been contributed to the flourishing of life in the most primitive forms.
Research published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), led by a team Scientists at Harvard Universityexamined the geological remains he left in the Barberton greenstone belt in South Africa, one of the oldest regions of the earth’s crust. Through the analysis of rocks and sediments, reconstructed the impact and its consequences in the primitive ecosystem of the Earth.
The S2 meteorite, as scientists know it, is 200 times larger. more than what led to the extinction of the dinosaurs 66 million years ago. The energy released was such that it caused a series of extreme geological and atmospheric eventslike a giant tsunami that dragged debris from the mainland to coastal areas and churned up the ocean. All this has led to new dynamics in the ecosystem.
He extreme heat The upper layer of the ocean resulting from the collision began to boil, and the atmosphere quickly warmed up. Huge dust cloud which rose after the impact, blocked sunlight for a long time and paralyzed any photosynthetic activity on the surface.
A scenario that may seem apocalyptic is likely to be the cause extinction of many life forms simple that existed at that time. However, the study shows that bacterial lifenot only survived, but also quickly recovered from the blow. According to the data collected by the team, there has been a noticeable increase populations of single-celled organisms which metabolize iron because they have found a new niche in surface waters, enriched with elements brought to the surface by the meteorite.
For scientists, this discovery changes our understanding great cosmic influences. Until now, meteorites have been viewed as catastrophic events associated with mass extinctions, but research suggests they could also have a positive side.
“This study highlights that these impacts will have life has brought benefitsespecially at the beginning. These impacts could allow life to flourish,” explains Nadia Drabon, team leader. Juli Pereto, professor of molecular biology at the University of Valencia, explains to TVE that for some forms of life these events could be the end, but for others they represent an opportunity.”We could say that we are descendants of those who survived.“, he comments.
CSIC-INTA planetary science researcher Jorge Pla-García also highlights the adaptability of life in extreme environments. “Life has become much more flexible and adaptive than we thought a few decades ago,” he notes.
Actress Zoe Saldaña (Gamora) shares her experience Avengers: Infinity War etc. Finaland this goal can…
(CNN)- Election Day is two weeks away and millions of Americans vote every day in…
Hepatology Group of the University of Cima Navarra and CIBEREHD TOP | Tuesday, October 22,…
Draw result Today's bonus Tuesday, October 22, 2024 - number combination 06,19,36,38,39,42. The additional payment…
Nicola Fox served as deputy administrator of NASA's Science Mission Directorate for nearly two years.…
You probably don't know who Konstantin Schopp is, and that's okay. This is a player…