Meteorites have the potential to cause widespread ecological damage. But a new study suggests that "impact glass" from an asteroid collision can also help preserve ecological history -- trapping bits of organic material and offering geologists a snapshot of ancient plant life. A team of researchers at Brown University have located fragments of leaves and organic compounds preserved inside the impact glass from several ancient meteorite collision sites in Argentina. Impact glass is the rock formed via shock metamorphism, a result of the extreme heat and high pressure of impact events. The scientists involved on the study say their findings are counterintuitive, as one would expect plant material to be carbonized at such high temperatures. But when attempting to replicate shock metamorphism in the lab, researchers were able to show that traces of plant material are preserved when rocks are formed at above 1,500 degrees Celsius. "I was surprised to find the amount of plant matter preserved," Dr. Kathie Thomas-Keprta -- a researcher at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston -- told BBC News. The researchers, who published their findings in the journal Geology this week, say their discovery demonstrates how meteorite fragments could hold the key to finding evidence of alien life. "Next we need to evaluate if microbes can also be preserved by this mechanism," Dr. Thomas-Keptra said. "Then, we need to collect the appropriate samples on Mars."
GMT 09:31 2018 Wednesday ,24 January
Over 100 endangered turtles hatch in SingaporeGMT 04:45 2018 Friday ,19 January
Microwave ovens are cooking the environment: studyGMT 12:28 2018 Saturday ,06 January
Bonobos prefer bullies over 'nice guys'GMT 17:42 2017 Wednesday ,18 October
N. Korea nuclear test site may be a 'Tired Mountain'GMT 19:57 2017 Wednesday ,06 September
Russian ecologists: Nord Stream 2 damages precious refugeGMT 03:12 2017 Monday ,04 September
NATO condemns North Korea’s sixth nuclear testGMT 19:41 2017 Monday ,14 August
Bear shot in Italy after attacking walkerGMT 11:01 2017 Tuesday ,08 August
Birthplace of Apostle Peter found in IsraelMaintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2021 ©
Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2021 ©
Send your comments
Your comment as a visitor