The Long-Lived Chicxulub Hydrothermal System Lasted 8 Million Years

Scientists have known about the hydrothermal system created by the Chicxulub impact. These types of systems could be where prebiotic chemistry got a boost, leading to the appearance of the first simple life. But for that to happen, the system needed to last for a long time. New research says it lasted 8 million years, much longer than previous estimates. Image Credit: Victor O. Leshyk

The asteroid that caused the extinction of the dinosaurs also created an underground environment suited to supporting new life, and new research suggests it lasted for millions of years longer than previously suspected. While previous research showed the buried hydrothermal system of porous rock, hot water, and chemical nutrients may have lasted 2 million years, new research says it lasted for 8 million years.

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