Scientists have uncovered the oldest known impact crater on Earth in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. This massive crater, estimated to be at least 62 miles (100 km) wide, formed 3.47 billion years ago when a large space rock struck a planet almost entirely covered in water. This discovery pushes back the previous record for Earth’s oldest impact crater by more than a billion years and provides crucial insights into early Earth’s history and the origin of life.
A Crater from the Earliest Days of Earth
The Yarrabubba impact structure, also in Australia, previously held the record for the oldest known impact site. However, this newly identified crater is significantly older. Chris Kirkland, a geologist at Curtin University, led the research team that uncovered this evidence.
Since Earth’s surface constantly recycles through tectonic activity, finding such an ancient impact site is rare. Kirkland called the discovery a major breakthrough, as it provides direct evidence of an impact event from a time when Earth’s atmosphere and oceans were still developing.
Read: AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT: A Game-Changer for 4K Gaming
A Life-Changing Collision
The researchers estimate that the meteorite responsible for the crater struck at a speed of 36,000 kilometers per hour (22,000 mph). The impact scattered debris across the planet and likely triggered major environmental changes.
However, this event was not purely destructive. Scientists believe that meteorite impacts may have helped life emerge on Earth. The shock waves from the collision altered the surrounding rocks, creating cracks where sunlight could penetrate. These conditions could have encouraged the development of early microbial life.
Additionally, meteorite impacts often create hot, mineral-rich pools of water. These environments could have served as cradles for life, providing the necessary energy and nutrients for the first microorganisms to thrive.
Discovery of Shatter Cones
In May 2021, Kirkland and his team arrived at the North Pole Dome in Pilbara to investigate the region. Within an hour, they discovered shatter cones, a distinct rock formation created only by powerful impact events. These structures resemble inverted badminton shuttlecocks with broken tops, making them unmistakable evidence of a massive ancient collision.
“These shatter cones are exceptionally well-preserved, spanning several hundred meters,” Kirkland said. “They provide indisputable evidence of an ancient impact event.”
Confirming the Age of the Crater
In May 2023, the research team conducted detailed fieldwork to confirm their findings. The Geological Survey of Western Australia analyzed rock layers above and below the shatter cones, dating them to 3.47 billion years old.
If further investigations confirm the presence of shatter cones across the entire 40- to 45-km (25- to 28-mile) diameter of the North Pole Dome, this matches the estimated 100-km (62-mile) impact crater size.
Unraveling Early Earth’s Mysteries
This discovery reshapes our understanding of early Earth’s history. It suggests that meteorite impacts played a vital role in shaping the planet’s surface and possibly sparking life. As researchers continue studying this site, they may uncover more clues about Earth’s ancient past and the forces that made life possible.
Follow us on Google News, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook,Whats App, and TikTok for latest updates