This dust blocked the sun to an extent that plants were unable to photosynthesize, a biological process critical for life, for almost two years afterward.
Pim KaskesAn unexpected killing mechanismTo reach their findings, scientists developed a new computer model to simulate the global climate after the asteroid strike.
Fossilized fish found at the site have revealed that the asteroid struck off Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula in springtime.
The team determined that this fine dust could have remained in the atmosphere for up to 15 years after the asteroid strike.
The researchers suggested the global climate may have cooled by as much as 15 degrees Celsius.
Persons:
”, Cem Berk Senel, Pim Kaskes, ” Senel, Alfio Alessandro Chiarenza, Chiarenza
Organizations:
CNN, Royal Observatory of, …, University of Vigo
Locations:
Mexico, Royal Observatory of Belgium, “, North Dakota, Spain