Recently scientists have discovered that an asteroid hit the surface of the earth 3.46 billion years ago. If this had happened relatively recently, it would have caused a mass extinction. Evidence was found by Aussie researchers led by Andrew Glikson of Australian National University, in the northwestern part of the continent.
Glass beads were found to be scattered among ocean sediments that were dated back to the middle of Archean Eon i.e. 3.46 billion years ago. The estimated diameter of the crater as a result impact is between 12-18 miles.
This is the second oldest impact on earth known to man and one of the mightiest ones. Glikson said that the impact would have triggered a series of more than terrestrial earthquakes all over the globe, making cliffs crumble and causing tsunamis greater than ever been known to mankind.
This is from the time period when the lunar mare is believed to have been formed. Glikson also said that asteroid impacts that are this big have the potential to change the geographical history in a colossal way, hence this is a huge discovery. It is difficult to say the exact location of the impact because since then the surface has been obliterated several times volcanic eruptions and tectonic movements.
Glikson’s list of achievements include 17 ancient impacts, that he has found over the past two decades. His achievements have been instrumental in determining important geographical events. His decision to work with students has been of some significance in his discoveries.
