Mass extinctions caused by large bolide impacts

Phys Today. 1987 Jul;40(7):24-33. doi: 10.1063/1.881078.

Abstract

Evidence indicates that the collisions of Earth and a large piece of Solar System debris such as a meteoroid, asteroid or comet caused the great extinctions of 65 million years ago, leading to the transition from the age of the dinosaurs to the age of the mammals.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Biological Evolution*
  • Earth, Planet*
  • Geologic Sediments / chemistry
  • Geological Phenomena
  • Geology
  • Iridium / analysis
  • Meteoroids*
  • Minor Planets*
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Paleontology
  • Solar System*

Substances

  • Iridium