Scientists Find Cosmic Impact Evidence in Lake Onega
Scientists found evidence of a possible cosmic impact event 13,000 years ago in the sediments of Lake Onega, marked by a distinct 'pink horizon' layer rich in iron oxide particles, which may indicate extraterrestrial material and link to a sudden climate cooling.
Consensus
- The 'pink horizon' layer in Lake Onega's sediments is approximately 13,000 years old.
- The layer contains high concentrations of iron oxide particles measuring tens to hundreds of micrometers.
- The 'pink horizon' has a distinct boundary and is visible across the entire lake basin.
- The layer may indicate external material input, such as cosmic dust.
- The findings are linked to a possible meteorite impact 12,900–12,800 years ago.
- The event may have triggered a period of abrupt climate cooling lasting about a thousand years.
- The 'pink horizon' is considered a marker of a global event affecting the Northern Hemisphere.
- High-precision magnetic measurements were used for the first time to study the layer.
- The 'magnetic fingerprint' of the layer allows comparison with sediment records in other regions.
- The ancient Lake Onega was much larger than today, with an area of 33,000 km², volume of 900 km³, and depth up to 300 meters.
- The research helps reconstruct the transition from the last glacial period to the modern climate on a single site.
- The findings were presented at the VII International Conference on Paleolimnology of Northern Eurasia in Apatity.
Points of divergence
- The discovery is not yet definitive proof of an asteroid impact, but the 'pink horizon' may serve as an important marker for comparing deposits across Northwest Russia. — riamo
- Microbial mats and biofilms were found within the 'pink horizon,' possibly formed at depths over 100 meters, indicating biological activity under extreme conditions. — tvrain
- The 'pink horizon' was previously linked to changes in the conditions of the Onega proglacial lake, and the cosmic origin hypothesis has been discussed for years. — fontanka
- The ancient Lake Onega is described as a 'great lake' with characteristics comparable to other major lakes. — vesti
Coverage (6 sources)
- Possible traces of a space catastrophe found in Onega Lake — РИАМО
- Scientists found traces of a cosmic catastrophe that occurred almost 13 thousand years ago in Lake Onega — Дождь (Telegram)
- Scientists found traces of a space catastrophe that occurred almost 13 thousand years ago in Lake Onega — Дождь
- Possible trace of a meteorite fall 13 thousand years ago found at the bottom of Lake Onega — Фонтанка
- In Lake Onega, evidence of a celestial body falling to Earth was found — Вести
- On the bottom of Lake Onega traces of a space disaster that occurred 13 thousand years ago were found — Интерфакс