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 is in the fertile farming region of the midwestern United States.

a. Both impacts would have similar consequences
b. The impact in the Atlantic Ocean would have fewer consequences
c. The impact in the midwestern United States would have more severe consequences
d. It is impossible to predict the consequences of such impacts

Answer 1

The consequences of a meteorite impact of a size similar to the one that contributed to the dinosaurs' extinction would be catastrophic globally, with specific outcomes varying by location. Massive tsunamis from an ocean impact and severe agricultural destruction from a land impact could occur, along with global climate effects.

Step-by-step explanation:

The hypothesis that the extinction of dinosaurs at the end of the Cretaceous Period was due to a cataclysmic impact of a large meteorite implies severe global ecological consequences. If a similar event occurred today, the consequences would be similarly catastrophic regardless of the impact site. However, the specific outcomes may differ due to location. An impact in the center of the Atlantic Ocean might trigger massive tsunamis, severely affecting coastal areas on both sides of the ocean and potentially leading to widespread flooding and immediate loss of life.

In contrast, an impact in the fertile farming region of the midwestern United States would result in immediate devastation of a significant area of agricultural land, loss of crops, and a disruption to the food supply. Additionally, both scenarios would likely result in a global dispersal of dust and debris into the atmosphere, which could lead to a 'nuclear winter' effect, blocking sunlight, reducing temperatures, and impeding photosynthesis, thus affecting the entire food chain.