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A 3.3-Ma impact in argentina and possible consequences
1P. H. Schultz, Geological Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912-1846, USA. M. Zarate, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas, Instituto Argentino de Nivologia y Glaciologia, Centro Regional de Investigacion.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|December 16, 1998
Summary
A mid-Pliocene impact event 3.3 million years ago created glassy materials and coincided with fauna extinction and climate change. This event significantly impacted Earth's Pliocene ecosystems and climate records.
Area of Science:
- Paleontology and Geology
- Climate Science
- Impact Studies
Background:
- Unique glassy (escorias) and bricklike (tierras cocidas) materials are found at the Chapadmalal Formation's upper stratigraphic level.
- These materials are linked to a specific geological period and potential extraterrestrial events.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the origin and age of enigmatic glassy and bricklike materials found in the Chapadmalal Formation.
- To correlate these geological findings with faunal extinctions and paleoclimatic shifts during the mid-Pliocene.
Main Methods:
- Radiometric and magnetostratigraphic dating of materials from a Mar del Plata locality.
- Stratigraphic analysis of the Chapadmalal Formation.
- Correlation with marine oxygen isotope records from the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Main Results:
- Materials are attributed to a mid-Pliocene impact event dated to 3.3 million years ago.
- The impact layer correlates with the extinction of endemic fauna, including glyptodonts and cariamid birds.
- The impact event's age aligns with a pulse-like change in marine oxygen isotopes preceding late Pliocene climate deterioration.
Conclusions:
- A significant mid-Pliocene impact event occurred 3.3 million years ago, leaving distinct geological markers.
- This impact event is strongly correlated with a major extinction event and a notable shift in global climate patterns.
- The findings provide crucial insights into the interplay between extraterrestrial impacts, biodiversity loss, and climate change in the Pliocene epoch.