New Research Suggests Asteroid Impact Alone Did Not Wipe Out Dinosaurs
Belgian scientists have recently put forward a new theory regarding the demise of the dinosaurs. Contrary to popular belief, it appears that the extinction event 66 million years ago, which saw the end of these iconic creatures, may not have been solely caused by the impact of the asteroid on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.
According to the researchers, the asteroid impact triggered a global catastrophe by releasing trillions of tons of dust into the atmosphere. This dust created a “global winter” by blocking out the sun’s rays for an extended period of time. The resulting lack of sunlight led to the collapse of ecosystems around the world, eventually causing the extinction of approximately 75% of species up and down the food chain.
What is particularly alarming is the colossal amount of dust that was ejected into the sky. The researchers estimate that there were approximately 2,000 gigatonnes of dust, which is more than 11 times the weight of Mount Everest. This enormous volume of dust effectively blocked out the sun, leading to a restriction in photosynthesis for plants. As a result, the natural ecosystem collapsed, resulting in a slow and gradual extinction process for the dinosaurs over the course of a few years.
Interestingly, the study also suggests that similar catastrophic consequences could be observed if a nuclear bomb were to strike the Earth. This is a worrying realization, as it emphasizes the potential devastating impact of human activities on the planet.
Furthermore, the Belgian research indicates that the extinction of the dinosaurs may have been a crucial event for the development of the human race. With the dinosaurs out of the picture, mammals were able to thrive and eventually become the dominant organisms on Earth. This, in turn, paved the way for the eventual rise of humans.
As scientists continue to delve deeper into the mysteries of our planet’s past, it is clear that the extinction of the dinosaurs was a complex event with multifactorial causes. The new research from Belgium challenges the long-held belief that the asteroid impact alone wiped out these ancient giants. Instead, it highlights the significant role played by the global winter phenomenon resulting from the colossal amount of dust released into the atmosphere.
