Scientists were able to significantly map out an undersea cliff that may explain how an asteroid collision led to dinosaur extinction millions of years ago. The images have been integrated with Google Earth and Google Maps.
Researchers from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) went for a scientific cruise on the Schmidt Ocean Institute's research ship RV Falkor in March 2013. They explored the undersea cliff using sonars equipped with multiple rays, which allowed them to create its first comprehensive map.
The grandeur of the cliff was as magnificent as the Grand Canyon's wall but was not easy to appreciate because it was located underwater. The Campeche Escarpment is 372 miles or 600 kilometers wide. Its sides are steep and rise around 13,100 feet or 4,000 meters.
This cliff was very significant for scientists because it is similarly located with the destructive asteroid collision site which made impact 65 million years ago, the incident that caused a massive annihilation that caused the dinosaur extinction.
The asteroid collision left a crater called Chicxulub, which is located today deep under the Yucatan Peninsula. Scientists believed that they can find collision deposits readily accessible underwater near the cliff. They were able to collect samples by drilling exploratory holes on the peninsula.
With the new map of the Campeche Escarpment, they are positive that it can help them investigate and find geological traces of what happened to the gigantic predators.
Charles Paull, senior scientist for MBARI, said that the detailed maps show layers of deposits which represent geological traces before, during and after the asteroid hit the Earth.
The researchers admitted that they will need further studies to understand the ancient destructive event. However, they are positive about the potential of Campeche Escarpment as a site for collecting samples through the user of waterproof robots.
