The team explored the aftermath of a hypothetical large asteroid collision equivalent in size to the one believed to have caused the extinction of dinosaurs. They modeled the climatic consequences of such an impact at four key points in our planet’s past: the Neoproterozoic Era, the Cretaceous Period, the Last Glacial Maximum, and the pre-industrial period.
Neoproterozoic Era
The Neoproterozoic Era, which lasted from about 1 billion to 541 million years ago, was a time when the Earth’s climate was dramatically different from today. The team’s modeling showed that a large asteroid impact during this period could have had a profound effect on the planet’s climate, potentially causing widespread glaciation and disrupting the delicate balance of the global carbon cycle.
Cretaceous Period
The Cretaceous Period, which lasted from about 145 million to 66 million years ago, was the final period of the Mesozoic Era and was known for its diverse array of dinosaurs and other large reptiles. The team’s modeling suggested that a large asteroid impact during this time could have triggered a series of events that led to the extinction of the dinosaurs, including rapid global cooling, widespread ecosystem collapse, and the disruption of the planet’s carbon and nitrogen cycles.
Last Glacial Maximum
The Last Glacial Maximum, which occurred around 20,000 years ago, was a period of particularly intense glaciation during the last ice age. The team’s modeling indicated that a large asteroid impact during this time could have had a significant impact on the global climate, potentially accelerating the melting of glaciers and leading to rapid sea-level rise and other dramatic changes to the planet’s environment.
Pre-industrial Period
The pre-industrial period, which lasted from the beginning of human civilization to the start of the Industrial Revolution in the late 18th century, was a time when the Earth’s climate was relatively stable compared to the present day. The team’s modeling suggested that a large asteroid impact during this period could have had a significant impact on the planet’s climate, potentially triggering a global cooling event that could have disrupted agricultural systems and led to widespread famine and societal upheaval.