Australian crater may provide new insights into Earth's geological past

Researchers Daniel Connelly and Dr. Arif Sikder from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) have uncovered evidence of the Massive Australian Precambrian-Cambrian Impact Structure (MAPCIS). This nonconcentric complex crater may provide new insights into Earth's geological and biological evolution.

"Working on the MAPCIS project has been an incredible journey," said Sikder, an associate professor at VCU's Center for Environmental Studies. "The data we've gathered offers a unique glimpse into the forces that have shaped our planet, and I'm excited about the future research this discovery will inspire."

Connelly is set to present these findings at the Geological Society of America's annual meeting, Connects 2024, in Anaheim, California, later this month. Previously, he presented the research at the 37th International Geological Congress 2024 in Busan, South Korea. Researchers believe the impact took place during the Neoproterozoic Era, at the close of the Ediacaran period, which spanned from 1 billion to 538.8 million years ago.

Supporting their claims are massive deposits of pseudotachylite breccia, a type of melt rock, near the crater's center. Additionally, the team discovered shocked minerals such as lonsdaleite (shocked diamond) and iridium, often associated with impacts, in the surrounding deposits.

"The discovery of MAPCIS is a testament to the power of collaborative research," Connelly stated. "Our findings not only highlight the significance of this impact structure but also open new avenues for understanding Earth's geological past."