Giant meteor impact linked to Grand Canyon landslide

Researchers have found a connection between a meteor impact and a landslide in the Grand Canyon.

Giant meteor impact linked to Grand Canyon landslide

A new study suggests that a meteor impact that created Arizona's Barringer Crater likely triggered a landslide in the Grand Canyon about 56,000 years ago. This event is thought to have caused a significant damming of the Colorado River. Scientists, led by Karl Karlstrom from the University of New Mexico, connected these two geological events, previously assumed unrelated. The impact of the meteor produced shock waves strong enough to cause a cliff face to collapse into the river, creating enough water flow to deposit driftwood high above current river levels. The findings highlight a complex relationship between astronomical events and geological processes.

This study underscores a fascinating intersection of cosmic and geological history. By establishing a timeline that links a significant meteor strike to dramatic earth changes, researchers offer fresh insights into how ancient events have shaped our landscapes. It shows that the impacts of celestial activities can ripple through time, influencing not just the immediate area but also distant ecosystems and geological formations. The likelihood of such connections could change how scientists approach the study of ancient geological events.

Highlights

This connection offers a new perspective on both meteor impacts and landscape shaping in Earth's history.