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- From recent impacts (Siberia 1908) and space probes we know meteorites and asteroids often have
- From recent impacts (Siberia 1908) and space probes we know meteorites and asteroids often have
a chemical composition which is rare on Earth.
a chemical composition which is rare on Earth.
- A large crater has been found on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico.
- A large crater has been found on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico.
- The Rocky underground near the crater contains significant amounts of chemical compounds common
- The Rocky underground near the crater contains significant amounts of chemical compounds common
in meteorites, but rare on Earth, especially in such concentrations.
in meteorites, but rare on Earth, especially in such concentrations.
- The Rocky underground near the crater shows signs of a tremendous energy release: natural
- The Rocky underground near the crater shows signs of a tremendous energy release: natural
glass, etc...
glass, etc...
- We can calculate the energy that would be required to create a crater that size.
- We can calculate the energy that would be required to create a crater that size.
- An impact of this scale has been found to be many times greater than that of a nuclear
- An impact of this scale has been found to be many times greater than that of a nuclear
explosion.
explosion.
- We know an event like this would cause a mass extinction of which nature would need many
- We know an event like this would cause a mass extinction of which nature would need many
thousands of years to recover.
- We know the ecosystems of Earth are well balanced and prosperous (before the industrial
- We know the ecosystems of Earth are well balanced and prosperous (before the industrial
revolution anyway).
- Therefore we know Earth has recovered from the meteorite impact.
- Therefore we know Earth has recovered from the meteorite impact.
- Therefore we know the impact happened many thousands of years ago.
- Therefore we know the impact happened many thousands of years ago.
- Therefore we know the Earth has to be many thousands of years old.
- Therefore we know the Earth has to be many thousands of years old.