From ScienceDaily · · 1m 30s
A massive asteroid slammed into the North Sea
Scientists confirm ancient asteroid impact created 330-foot tsunami in North Sea.
In brief
Scientists confirm ancient asteroid impact created 330-foot tsunami in North Sea. Scientists confirmed a 160-meter asteroid struck the North Sea 43-46 million years ago, creating a 330-foot tsunami and the Silverpit Crater. Originally reported by ScienceDaily.
Silverpit Crater Mystery
Scientists finally confirmed the origin of the Silverpit Crater beneath the North Sea.
Ancient Asteroid Impact
New evidence shows a 160-meter-wide asteroid struck the seabed 43 to 46 million years ago.
Tsunami Triggered
The impact created a tsunami over 100 meters high, later measured at 330 feet.
Geological Debate
Geologists debated the crater's origin for over two decades, voting in 2009 against impact theory.
New Evidence
Seismic imaging and shocked quartz samples prove the asteroid impact hypothesis.
Dr. Uisdean Nicholson
Dr. Uisdean Nicholson of Heriot-Watt University says samples revealed shocked quartz at the crater floor.
Asteroid Characteristics
The asteroid was 160 meters wide and approached from the west at a shallow angle.
Tsunami Impact
The impact created a 1.5-kilometer-high wave that collapsed into the sea, forming a 330-foot tsunami.
Professor Gareth Collins
Professor Gareth Collins of Imperial College London developed models to confirm the impact hypothesis.
Rare Impact Crater
Silverpit is one of Earth's rare hypervelocity impact craters, preserved for 43-46 million years.
Known Impact Sites
Silverpit joins Mexico's Chicxulub Crater and West Africa's Nadir Crater as confirmed impact sites.
Scientific Significance
Scientists use Silverpit to study how asteroid impacts shape Earth and other planets.
What to remember
Scientists confirmed a 160-meter asteroid struck the North Sea 43-46 million years ago, creating a 330-foot tsunami and the Silverpit Crater.
