In an effort to validate the Dynamic Theory of Formation, Scientists head off to Mexico in order to accumulate supporting evidences. The Yucatan Peninsula in the nation that is bordered with the US to the north has been identified as the area where an asteroid landed about 66 million years in the past.
The impact has apparently sent the dinosaurs into extinction. Situated within this realm is the Chicxulub crater, where relics presenting rock movements, had been kept since the crash.
Last April, the International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) has backed a drilling project about 30 kilometers off the Gulf of Mexicon. In order to evade the intruding ocean waters, a team of scientists hoists a distinct vessel identified as a lift boat on the sea bed on three underpinnings.
In May, around 700 meters of depth have already been dug. It is being anticipated that in June, the hole will go as deep as 1,500 meters. As the research group hits the harder granites in the crater's so-called peak ring, the procedure to follow will involve drilling a 3-meter core for every two hours.
It should be noted that the peak ring is the circular formation inside a crater's rim.
Bits of ancient granite rocks remain embedded within the location. Minerals here are part of the 180-kilometer wide Chicxulub crater. This landing spot is the Earth's only well-protected landmark with a peak ring.
Scientists will be searching for rock layers that have been dislodged from its initial positions. Indications of disentanglement indicate deeper slabs over surface rubbles. High levels of minerals near the outer surface also signify that the rock formations have been disturbed.
As of the moment, scientific investigators are looking into traces of minerals that precipitated out of hot emulsions during the impact. Surface cracks that contain liquids may mean that the extreme temperature does not suit life. In addition, experts are also investigating if signs of life forms have re-emerged after the blast.
Another angle being examined is the dinosaurs' period of existence. Initially, the ancient creatures have roamed the Earth between the Cretaceous and the Paleogene eras.
According to Joanna Morgan, the co-Chief Scientist at the Imperial College London, a borderline between the two periods has been identified based on the emergence of fossils from small-shelled organisms identified as foraminifera.
Between 620 to 670 meters deep, tsunami build-ups and breccia or jumbled rocks have surfaced. Sean Gulick, co-Chief of the team and a geophysicist from the University of Texas, points out that the layer links the Paleogene and Cretaceous periods.
