How asteroids may have sparked life on Earth
New computer modeling suggests that ancient asteroid impacts on Earth created hydrothermal systems that may have been essential for the emergence of life. These impacts fractured the crust, allowing water to circulate and create environments suitable for prebiotic chemistry.
Why it matters
This research provides a new perspective on how catastrophic events in Earth's early history may have actually facilitated the conditions necessary for life.
Scientists at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) have taken a new look at Earth's violent beginnings and found that ancient asteroid impacts may have played a key role in making the planet habitable. Their computer models suggest that repeated collisions did far more than reshape the young Earth's surface. They also created extensive hydrothermal systems, hot water environments that may have provided the right conditions for life to emerge.
The article reports on academic research regarding planetary science without political or social bias.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in