Moment of Impact: A Journey into the Chicxulub Crater
In spring 2016, the International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) and International Continental Scientific Drilling (ICDP) drilled into the Chicxulub crater off the coast of Mexico. The expedition targeted Chicxulub crater’s peak ring and overlying rock sequences. Peak rings, as seen on the moon, form when rocks rebound into a peak inside the crater. The peak then collapses, leaving a center ring of rock within the larger crater. The expedition is helping answer important questions about the Chicxulub impact event and peak-ring crater formation on planetary bodies.Figure 4B from GSA Today article “Chicxulub and the Exploration of Large Peak-Ring Impact Craters through Scientific Drilling” by D.A. Kring et al.: melt rock from ~745 mbsf containing igneous clasts, dominated by granite http://www.geosociety.org/gsatoday/science/G352A/article.htm)
Each talk features findings from the 800-plus meters of core samples retrieved by the expedition. Topics include how the impact affected terrestrial and atmospheric chemistry, timing of events, and the Cretaceous-Paleogene mass extinction and subsequent recovery of life. Some highlights:
* David Kring explores the hydrothermal system triggered by the impact, including metasomatism (lithologic chemistry altered by hot fluids), and how the system could have incubated new life as it cooled over thousands of years post-impact. (8:25 a.m.).
* Joanna Morgan will share results of modeling to determine more accurately the amount of sulfur and CO2 shot into the atmosphere, including a second phase of gas release when ejecta was re-vaporized. Release of gas from the impact is connected to cooling of over 20 degrees C, with sub-freezing temperatures for three years (8:45 a.m.).
* In large impacts, rocks from deep in the crust are brought upward into the crater. Drilling confirmed that the peak ring at Chicxulub consists of granite, brought up from mid-crustal depths. Sean Gulick takes us back to the first day of the Cenozoic, with a look at the granite and the overlying sequence of melt glass, breccia, and deposits from a seiche (an oscillation wave within a semi-enclosed or enclosed body of water) or tsunami. (9:45 a.m.).
* Finally, Christopher Lowery follows the recovery of life at ground zero, focusing on an 80-centimeter transitional layer and the limestone just above. These units record the devastation of the impact, trace fossils from surviving species, and fossils within the limestone revealing that within 30,000 years of impact, life inside the crater was back in full swing. (11:45 a.m.).
Session No. 192 IODP-ICDP Expedition 364 to the Chicxulub Impact Crater
Tuesday, 24 October: 8:00 AM-12:00 PM
Ballroom 6A (Washington State Convention Center)
Session Link: https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2017AM/webprogram/Session43180.html
Contacts and sources:
Christa Stratton
The Geological Society of America
Source: http://www.ineffableisland.com/2017/10/moment-of-impact-journey-into-chicxulub.html
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Please Help Support BeforeitsNews by trying our Natural Health Products below!
Order by Phone at 888-809-8385 or online at https://mitocopper.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST
Order by Phone at 866-388-7003 or online at https://www.herbanomic.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST
Order by Phone at 866-388-7003 or online at https://www.herbanomics.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST
Humic & Fulvic Trace Minerals Complex - Nature's most important supplement! Vivid Dreams again!
HNEX HydroNano EXtracellular Water - Improve immune system health and reduce inflammation.
Ultimate Clinical Potency Curcumin - Natural pain relief, reduce inflammation and so much more.
MitoCopper - Bioavailable Copper destroys pathogens and gives you more energy. (See Blood Video)
Oxy Powder - Natural Colon Cleanser! Cleans out toxic buildup with oxygen!
Nascent Iodine - Promotes detoxification, mental focus and thyroid health.
Smart Meter Cover - Reduces Smart Meter radiation by 96%! (See Video).