Question

Earth scientists have a hypothesis that the last of the dinosaurs were driven to extinction at the end of the Cretaceous Period by the impact of a large meteorite. What might the consequences be if an equally large meteorite were to strike Earth today? Consider two possibilities: first, that the site of the impact be in the center of the Atlantic Ocean; and second, that the impact be in the fertile farming region of the midwestern United States.

(A) Both impacts would have minimal consequences due to improved technology.
(B) The impact in the Atlantic Ocean would cause tsunamis, while the impact in the midwestern United States would lead to agricultural collapse.
(C) The impact in the Atlantic Ocean would lead to widespread flooding, while the impact in the midwestern United States would have minimal consequences.
(D) Both impacts would have catastrophic consequences, with widespread destruction of ecosystems.

Answer 1

A large meteorite impact today would cause tsunamis if it hit the Atlantic Ocean and a collapse in agriculture if it hit the Midwestern United States, with both impacts leading to widespread ecosystem damage and an 'impact winter' affecting global climate.

Step-by-step explanation:

If an equally large meteorite were to strike Earth today, the consequences would be tremendous and wide-ranging, irrespective of the impact site. An impact in the center of the Atlantic Ocean would likely generate massive tsunamis that could inundate coastal cities and profoundly disturb marine ecosystems. On the other hand, an impact in the fertile farming region of the midwestern United States would devastate a crucial area for global agricultural production, likely leading to a collapse in food supply and contributing to famine. In both scenarios, the release of dust and sulfate aerosols into the atmosphere could lead to a significant reduction in sunlight reaching the Earth's surface, a phenomenon known as an "impact winter."

This would disrupt photosynthesis, leading to the collapse of ecosystems. Additionally, the climate could shift dramatically, affecting the entire planet. The aftermath of such an event would mirror the catastrophic effects of the meteorite impact at the end of the Cretaceous Period, which not only caused immediate destruction through the impact but also led to the extinction of numerous species, including the dinosaurs, due to the long-lasting changes in the environment.