Meteorites and Mass Extinctions - Size Doesn’t Matter!

Explore the intriguing relationship between meteorite impacts and mass extinctions in this thought-provoking talk. Delve into the surprising revelation that the size of meteorite impacts doesn't correlate with extinction intensity over 600 million years of multicellular life. Discover how the mineralogy of target rocks, particularly their K-feldspar content, plays a crucial role in determining extinction severity. Investigate the concept of 'Impact Winter' and its effects on Earth's ecosystems. Learn about impact stratigraphy, the Johnson London paper, and the unexpected role of potassium in triggering mass extinctions. Examine the influence of clouds, cloud reflectivity, and albedo on Earth's climate. Analyze a flowchart model explaining the factors contributing to life extinction events. Gain valuable insights into this complex topic through a comprehensive summary and engage in a question-and-answer session to deepen your understanding of the intricate relationship between meteorites and mass extinctions.