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What can the scientists most likely expect to find in the layers of rock that are about the same age as the impact?

User Venugopal
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Final answer:

Scientists can expect to find a layer rich in iridium, indicative minerals of an impact, and fossil evidence of a mass extinction in rocks the same age as a large impact.

Step-by-step explanation:

Scientists can expect to find in the layers of rock that are about the same age as the impact are sediments rich in iridium and other elements that are more common in asteroids and comets than in the Earth's crust. This layer, often referred to as the K-Pg boundary, contains minerals that indicate high temperatures and pressures consistent with a large impact event. Furthermore, distinct changes in the fossil record may be observed, which might include a decrease in the number and variety of species, consistent with a mass extinction event.

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The correct answer to this open question is the following.

Although you forgot to include the context of the question and the options to answer it, we can comment based on our knowledge of this topic.

What scientists most likely can expect to find in the layers of rock that are about the same age as the impact is evidence of a gradual change of one species over time.

This question has to have the following context. Scientists found evidence of a large meteor impact on the coast of the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico.

Scientists, researchers, and geologists use special methods to date rocks and fossils on planet Earth. In this case, they have used a method called radiometric dating. These methods are based on radiation. Yes, they use the natural radioactive decay of potassium, carbon, and other elements to get to the most exact date on when things happened. In this case, the time of the meteor impact on the Yucatán Peninsula in southern México.

User Kenneth Garza
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