Life might have originated on Earth after a massive meteorite strike billions of years ago, says a new study. This space rock, known as S2, was enormous and scientists now believe that instead of only causing destruction, it may have acted as a “giant fertiliser bomb” that helped life thrive after the impact.
When we think of large meteorites, we often associate them with devastating events. For instance, the Chicxulub asteroid, which hit Earth 66 million years ago, led to the extinction of the dinosaurs and wiped out 60-80 percent of animal species. However, the S2 meteorite, which was much bigger, may have had some positive effects as well.
According to a new study led by Harvard University geologist Nadja Drabon, the S2 meteorite, which hit Earth during the Paleoarchean Era, could have helped life recover and flourish. The Paleoarchean Era occurred over 3 billion years ago, a time when Earth was frequently bombarded by giant space rocks. It’s estimated that huge meteorites, more than 10 kilometers wide, struck Earth every 15 million years during this period.
The S2 meteorite, which is believed to have been between 50-200 times larger than the 10-15 km wide Chicxulub, had a significant impact on the planet. When it hit, it would have vaporised instantly, releasing a massive cloud of rock vapor and dust into the atmosphere. The skies may have turned black within hours, and the heat generated by the impact would have been intense enough to boil the upper layers of the ocean.
ALSO SEE: Scientists Discover Where The Huge Dinosaur-killing Asteroid Came From
While the initial effects of the S2 meteorite were undoubtedly catastrophic, Drabon’s research shows that life on Earth bounced back quickly after conditions stabilised. Within just a few years to decades, life not only recovered but also thrived. This is where the idea of the “fertiliser bomb” comes in.
Andrew Knoll, co-author of the study, explains that the S2 meteorite was a type called carbonaceous chondrite, which is rich in carbon and phosphorus that are essential elements for life. When the meteorite hit, it could have released these important nutrients into the environment, creating the perfect conditions for life to flourish once the planet recovered from the initial destruction.
While the immediate aftermath of the S2 impact was severe, it ultimately contributed to the formation of complex life on Earth. The dust from the impact took years to settle, and the atmosphere and oceans slowly cooled down, allowing life to thrive again. The nutrients from the meteorite may have provided a much-needed boost to early life forms, helping them evolve and develop.
ALSO SEE: Nuclear Bombs Could Save Earth From Planet-Killing Asteroids, Scientists Find
