Dust Lead To Extinction Of Dinosaurs, Scientists Say
As per a study, the dinosaurs age came to an end nearly 66 million years ago due to the aftermath of the asteroid impact that reshaped life on Earth. Dinosaurs are believed to have appeared first during the Triassic period, between 243 and 233.23 million years ago.
The asteroid which is believed to have led to the extinction of dinosaurs struck a shallow sea off the coast of what is now known as Mexico. But now from the recent studies, it has been found out that dust was a major factor in wiping out dinosaurs from the Earth.
In the latest study published, titled ‘Chicxulub impact winter sustained by fine silicate dust’ says that more attention has to be given to understand the role of dust which was triggered by the asteroid impact.
The soot, Sulphur and dust are said to have remained in the atmosphere for years, blocking the Sun and this might have led to global winter. And this affected photosynthesis in plants, a biological process critical for life.
The scientists after studying about the fine particles which were recovered from the site in North Dakota, they found out that the dust has the potential to remain in the atmosphere up to 15 years. And this might be the reason for the earth to be cooled down up to 15C.
Cem Berk Senel, researcher on the study at the Royal Observatory of Belgium in Brussels said that, “the silicate dust emerged from the simulations as the most efficient blocker of photosynthesis”.
Photosynthesis is a process by which plants use sunlight, water and carbon dioxide to produce energy and oxygen.
He also added that it renders the atmosphere opaque to sunlight, hampering the plant’s photosynthesis process.
To understand the findings better, the scientists developed a new computer model to stimulate the global climate after the asteroid strike. The model was created according to the Earth’s climate at that time.
Steve Brusatte, a professor of paleontology and evolution at the University of Edinburgh said, “It was the largest asteroid to hit the Earth in the last half a billion years, and it detonated with the force of over a billion nuclear bombs put together. But that’s not what really killed the dinosaurs and the 75% of other species that died out”, says the guardian.
