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Scientists in South Korea have uncovered evidence suggesting that asteroid impacts may have played a far more complex role in the emergence of life on Earth than previously thought, according to research highlighted by Science Alert.
A team led by geologist Jesoo Lim from the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources discovered stromatolites beneath a crater formed by a powerful asteroid impact around 42,000 years ago. Stromatolites are layered rock-like structures created by microbial communities and are considered among the oldest known signs of life on Earth.
Researchers believe the asteroid impact generated enough heat to create a hydrothermal environment similar to hot springs, where microorganisms could survive and thrive. The finding supports the idea that during periods of intense asteroid bombardment billions of years ago, impact craters may have served as temporary habitats for early microbial life.
The scientists studied the Jeokjung-Chogye basin, which formed after the asteroid strike, and found stromatolites buried beneath the lake sediments filling the crater.
Chemical analysis revealed traces of europium — an element associated with hot hydrothermal fluids — suggesting that the ancient lake had hydrothermal activity. Additional signs included high concentrations of calcium, calcite, and sulfur linked to heat-adapted microbes.
Radiocarbon dating showed that the stromatolites formed between roughly 23,400 and 14,600 years ago, indicating that the hydrothermal lake may have existed for tens of thousands of years.
Researchers say the discovery could help explain how early life survived and developed on Earth under extreme conditions after asteroid impacts.
