1. Isotopic evidence for the Cretaceous-Tertiary impactor and its type.
- Author
-
Shukolyukov A and Lugmair GW
- Subjects
- Chromium analysis, Denmark, Mass Spectrometry, Spain, Chromium Isotopes analysis, Earth, Planet, Geologic Sediments chemistry, Meteoroids
- Abstract
High-precision mass spectrometric analysis of chromium in sediment samples from the Cretaceous-Tertiary (K-T) boundary coincident with the extinction of numerous organisms on Earth confirms the cosmic origin of the K-T phenomenon. The isotopic composition of chromium in K-T boundary samples from Stevns Klint, Denmark, and Caravaca, Spain, is different from that of Earth and indicates its extraterrestrial source. The chromium isotopic signature is consistent with a carbonaceous chondrite-type impactor. The observed differences in the chromium isotopic composition among various meteorite classes can serve as a diagnostic tool for deciphering the nature of impactors that have collided with Earth during its history.
- Published
- 1998
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