Meta Description: Scientists have discovered a hidden crater under the sea, caused by a meteorite that struck Earth 66 million years ago and led to the extinction of dinosaurs.Learn about the Nadir crater, its potential significance, and the cataclysmic event that changed the course of life on our planet.

Hidden beneath the ocean’s depths, a remarkable discovery has been made: an 8km wide asteroid impact crater off the coast of West Africa.

This crater, known as the Nadir crater, is believed to be connected to the cataclysmic event that led to the extinction of dinosaurs.

In this article, we delve into the significance of this finding, shedding light on the meteorite impact that shaped Earth’s history.

The Unearthing of Nadir Crater: Mr. Uisdean Nicholson, an assistant professor at Heriot-Watt University, stumbled upon the Nadir crater while reviewing seismic survey data for a project.

Located beneath 400m thick seabed sediment, this crater, measuring over 400m in diameter, shows all the characteristics of an asteroid impact.

Unraveling the Cataclysm: The Nadir crater, though smaller than the massive Chicxulub crater off the coast of Mexico, played a significant role in the extinction event.

Its impact would have resulted in local and regional consequences, including a powerful earthquake measuring 6.5 to 7 on the Richter scale.

Additionally, the collision caused extensive damage and generated a towering tsunami reaching up to 1km high around the Nadir crater.

The waves, approximately 5m high, crashed onto the shores of South America.

Drilling for Answers: To confirm that the Nadir crater was indeed caused by a meteorite impact, further exploration is required.

Mr. Nicholson suggests drilling into the crater and examining the minerals at the bottom. This investigation would provide crucial insights into the composition and nature of the impact event.

Time of Impact: Preliminary information suggests that the Nadir crater formed approximately 66 million years ago, coinciding with the end of the Cretaceous period when the Chicxulub crater was also formed.

However, the exact date of the Nadir crater’s formation remains unknown, and further research is necessary to establish a precise timeline.

Understanding Earth’s History: Studying the Nadir crater can help us gain a deeper understanding of the cataclysmic event that led to the extinction of dinosaurs and numerous other species.

By uncovering the secrets hidden within this impact crater, scientists hope to unlock valuable insights into the geological and environmental changes that reshaped our planet’s history.

The discovery of the Nadir crater beneath the sea highlights the immense power of a meteorite impact and its role in shaping Earth’s evolution.

As scientists continue to investigate this hidden marvel, we inch closer to unraveling the mysteries of the past and gaining a profound understanding of the events that transformed life on our planet.