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Pakistan On-Shore Bidding Round 2025

Pakistan On-Shore Bidding Round 2025

S. No. Block Name Zone Area (km²) Location (Districts)
1
PARKINI-II BLOCK-A (2564-6)
Zone-I
1,892
Awaran & Kech
2
PARKINI-II BLOCK-B (2564-7)
Zone-I
1,908
Pasni & Awaran
3
RASHMALAN-II (2564-8)
Zone-I
1,196
Pasni & Awaran
4
RASHMALAN-II WEST (2564-9)
Zone-I
1,451.97
Pasni & Awaran
5
PHARPUR-II (3170-13)
Zone-II
1,222.6
D. I. Khan & Tank
6
KHIU-II (3171-4)
Zone-II
2225.15
Bhakkar & Khushab
7
LAYYAH-II (3070-18)
Zone-II
1445.81
Layyah & D. G. Khan
8
ALIPUR-II (2970-10)
Zone-II
2225.15
Muzaffargarh, Multan, Bahawalpur and Rahimyar Khan
9
RACHNA-II (3071-6)
Zone-II
1,189.55
Khanewal, Jhang & Layyah
10
KHANPUR-II (2870-8)
Zone-II
1,189.55
Rahim Yar Khan
11
CHHALGARI (2867-7)
Zone-II
2,485.19
Bolan, Nasirabad & Jhal Magsi
12
DERA MURAD JAMALI (2868-9)
Zone-II
2,282.09
Bolan, Nasirabad, Jaffarabad & Jacobabad
13
KALAT SOUTH (2865-5)
Zone-II
2,488.19
Kalat & Jhal Magsi
14
SOHBAT PUR (2868-8)
Zone-III
2,497.50
Jacobabad, Jaffarabad, Kashmore & Dera Bughti
15
KOT MAGSI (2767-6)
Zone-III
2,213.43
Nasirabad, Jhal Magsi, Jaffarabad, Kambar/ Shahdad Kot & Jacobabad
16
KAMBAR (2767-5)
Zone-III
2,245.86
Kambar/Shahdad Kot & Larkana
17
ZAMZAMA-II SOUTH (2667-16)
Zone-III
473.90
Jamshoro & Dadu
18
SUKHPUR-II (2568-23)
Zone-III
2,488.36
Jamshoro & Nawabshah
19
NAING SHARIF (2667-20)
Zone-III
205.58
Jamshoro & Dadu
20
JHERRUCK (2468-13)
Zone-III
732.73
Thatta & Tando Muhammad Khan
21
ZIARAT NORTH (2966-3)
Zone-I (F)
2,120.5
Ziarat, Loralai, Quetta, Mastung, Sibi, Pishin & Mach
22
KALAT NORTH (2966-4)
Zone-I (F)
2,499.96
Kalat, Mastung & Noshki
23
AHMAD WAL (2965-1)
Zone-I (F)
2,268
Kharan & Noshki
24
PADAG (2864-3)
Zone-I (F)
2,477.39
Chagai & Noshki
25
CHAGAI (2864-4)
Zone-I (F)
2,474.17
Chagai
26
DALBANDIN (2864-5)
Zone-I (F)
2,497.99
Chagai
27
MERUI (2864-6)
Zone-I (F)
2,478.68
Chagai
28
MERUI WEST (2863-1)
Zone-I (F)
2,491.45
Chagai
29
NOKUNDI SOUTH (2763-7)
Zone-I (F)
2,158.75
Chagai, Kharan
30
NOKUNDI (2862-2)
Zone-I (F)
2,452.3
Chagai
31
TOZGI (2861-1)
Zone-I (F)
2,427.58
Chagai

ZONE I

1. PARKINI-II BLOCK-A (2564-6)

The Parkini-II Block-A, covering 1,892 sq. km in Balochistan’s Kech, Awaran, and Gwadar districts, is located in the Makran Basin, with estimated resources of 8,676 million barrels of oil and 78 trillion cubic feet of gas. The block falls within Prospectivity Zone I and features favorable petroleum systems with source rocks like the Oligocene Hoshab Formation and Miocene Panjgur and Parkini Formations.

2. PARKINI-II BLOCK-B (2564-7)

Parkini-II Block-B, covering 1,908 sq. km in Balochistan’s Awaran and Gwadar districts, is part of the Makran Basin and lies within Prospectivity Zone I. The block is estimated to hold 8,676 million barrels of oil and 78 trillion cubic feet of gas. The petroleum system features source rocks from the Oligocene Hoshab Formation, Miocene Panjgur and Parkini Formations, and Pliocene Talar/Hinglaj Formations, while reservoir rocks include Middle to Upper Miocene turbidities.

3. RASMALAN-II (2564-8)

Rasmalan-II Block spans 1,196 sq. km in Balochistan’s Makran Basin, with estimated resources of 8,676 million barrels of oil and 78 trillion cubic feet of gas. The block’s geological setting includes potential anticline structures and diapirism, offering significant exploration opportunities. Nearby infrastructure, including gas fields and thermal power stations, adds to its attractiveness.

4. RASMALAN-II West (2564-9)

Rasmalan-II West Block spans 1,451.97 sq. km in Balochistan’s Makran Basin, with estimated resources of 8,676 million barrels of oil and 78 trillion cubic feet of gas. The block features thrust-related anticlines and diapirism, making it a strong candidate for hydrocarbon exploration. Located near existing gas fields and thermal power stations, the block benefits from government support for infrastructure development.

ZONE II

5. PAHARPUR-II (3170-13)

The Paharpur-II Block, located in Dera Ismail Khan and Tank districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, covers 1,222.6 sq. km. It is situated within the Sulaiman Foldbelt and has estimated resources of 2,880 million barrels of oil and 69.12 trillion cubic feet of gas. The block features favorable petroleum systems with source rocks like the Sembar Formation and reservoir rocks such as the Pirkoh and Habib Rahi formations.

6. KHIU-II (3171-4)

The Khiu-II Block, located in Khushab and Bakhar districts of Punjab, Pakistan, is part of the Onshore Block Bidding Round 2025. Covering 2225.15 sq. km in the Punjab Platform, the block holds estimated resources of 2,880 million barrels of oil and 69.12 trillion cubic feet of gas. Surrounded by key neighboring blocks, it has been the subject of seismic data collection from major companies.

7. LAYYAH-II (3070-18)

The Layyah-II Block, located in Punjab, Pakistan, spans 1445.81 sq. km and lies in the Central Indus Basin. It falls under Prospectivity Zone II, with significant resources estimated at 2880 million barrels of oil and 69.12 trillion cubic feet of gas. The block has been explored by companies like AMOCO, OGDCL, UNOCAL, and PPL, with extensive 2D data acquired. Geological formations in the area include fault-bounded structures and thick-skinned tectonics, with the Sembar Formation (Cretaceous) as the primary source rock. The trapping mechanism includes pinch-out traps and anticlines.

8. ALIPUR-II (2970-10)

The Khiu-II Block, located in Khushab and Bakhar districts of Punjab, Pakistan, is part of the Onshore Block Bidding Round 2025. Covering 2225.15 sq. km in the Punjab Platform, the block holds estimated resources of 2,880 million barrels of oil and 69.12 trillion cubic feet of gas. Surrounded by key neighboring blocks, it has been the subject of seismic data collection from major companies.

9. RACHNA-II (3071-6)

Rachna-II Block covers 1,189.55 sq. km in Punjab’s Middle Indus Basin, with estimated resources of 200 million barrels of oil and 19.6 trillion cubic feet of gas. It has high exploration potential due to varied structural patterns and excellent reservoir rocks.

10. KHANPUR-II (2870-8)

The Khanpur-II Block, located in the Rahimyar Khan district of Punjab, Pakistan, is part of the Onshore Block Bidding Round 2025. Spanning 2245.41 sq. km in the Punjab Platform, this block is estimated to contain 2,880 million barrels of oil and 69.12 trillion cubic feet of gas. Surrounded by key neighboring blocks, it presents significant hydrocarbon potential, supported by seismic data from past acquisitions.

11. CHHALGARI (2867-7)

Nestled in the heart of Balochistan’s dynamic geological landscape, the Chhalgari Block is a promising frontier for hydrocarbon exploration. Spanning 2,485.19 sq. km across Nasirabad, Bolan, and Jhal Magsi districts, this region boasts significant untapped potential with an estimated 8,676 million barrels of oil and 78 trillion cubic feet of gas.

12. DERA MURAD JAMALI(2868-9)

The Dera Murad Jamali Block, spanning 2,282.09 sq. km in the Lower Indus Basin, is a promising hydrocarbon exploration site under the Kirthar Fold Belt. Rich in Cretaceous Sembar shales (source rock) and with proven reservoirs like Mughalkot, Pab Sandstone, and Sui Main Limestone, the block offers significant oil and gas potential.

13. KALAT SOUTH (2865-5)

The Kalat South Block, located in the heart of Balochistan, Pakistan, is part of the Onshore Block Bidding Round 2024. Covering 2488.19 sq. km, this highly prospective area offers significant hydrocarbon resources, including an estimated 8,676 million barrels of oil and 78 trillion cubic feet of gas.

ZONE III

14. SOHBAT PUR (2868-8)

The Sohbat Pur Block, covering 2,497.50 sq. km in the Central Indus Basin, is a promising area for hydrocarbon exploration. It falls within Prospectivity Zone III and is surrounded by Zorghar, Zin, and Yasin blocks. The block benefits from extensive 2D seismic data collected over multiple years and features both structural and stratigraphic traps. Nearby infrastructure includes gas fields, pipelines, purification plants, and a thermal power plant.

15. KOT MAGSI (2767-6)

The Kot Magsi Block, located in Balochistan, Pakistan, spans 2213.43 sq. km and falls under Prospectivity Zone III. It holds significant hydrocarbon potential, with estimated resources of 8,676 million barrels of oil and 78 trillion cubic feet of gas in the Balochistan Basin. The block has been explored by major companies like Amoco, BP, OMV, and others. The area’s geological history shows tectonic influences, with the Kalat Anticlinorium and surrounding structures offering favorable exploration conditions.

16. KAMBAR (2767-5)

The Kambar Block, located in the Sindh province of Pakistan, is part of the Onshore Block Bidding Round 2025. Covering 2245.86 sq. km in the Kirthar Foldbelt, this block holds significant hydrocarbon potential with estimated resources of 4,740 million barrels of oil and 64.75 trillion cubic feet of gas.

17. ZAMZAMA-II SOUTH (2667-16)

The Zamzama-II South block covers 473.90 sq. km in the Lower Indus Basin, Pakistan, and is located in Prospectivity Zone III. The block has substantial hydrocarbon potential, with the Pab Formation as a primary reservoir and the Mughal Kot Shale as the source rock. Nearby infrastructure, including thermal power plants, supports development.

18. SUKHPUR-II (2568-23)

The Sukhpur-II Block, covering 2,488.36 sq. km in the Kirthar Foldbelt of Sindh, Pakistan, presents a significant opportunity for hydrocarbon exploration. Located in Prospectivity Zone III, it is surrounded by nearby blocks with successful gas discoveries. The main trapping mechanism involves anticlinal traps linked to thrust faults. The block benefits from substantial seismic data, including 2D and 3D surveys. Nearby infrastructure, including gas fields, thermal power stations, and oil storage, provides strong support for development.

19. NAING SHARIF (2667-20)

The Naing Sharif Block, located in Shaheed Benazir Abad and Jamshoro districts, Sindh, spans 205.58 sq. km. with estimated resources of 4,740 million barrels of oil and 64.75 trillion cubic feet of gas. Situated in the Kirthar Foldbelt, it benefits from nearby gas fields and thermal power stations.

20. JHERRUCK 2469-13

The Jherruck Block (732.73 sq. km) in the Lower Indus Basin, Pakistan, lies in prospectivity Zone 3 and features rich hydrocarbon potential. Its petroleum system includes Sembar Shales (source rock), Lower Goru sands (reservoir), and Upper Goru marls (seal), with structural traps formed by tilted horst blocks. With substantial seismic data (2256.77 km of 2D and 2905.66 sq. km of 3D) and nearby prolific gas discoveries, the block offers a low-risk, high-reward investment opportunity.

ZONE I (F)

21. ZIARAT NORTH (2966-3)

The Ziarat North block spans 2120.5 sq. km in Balochistan, Pakistan, located within the Sulaiman Foldbelt, and is situated in Prospectivity Zone I (F). The block has significant hydrocarbon potential, with the Sembar Formation as the primary source rock and reservoirs in the Pirkoh and Sui Limestone formations.

22. KALAT NORTH (2966-4)

The Kalat North Block (2499.96 sq. km) in Balochistan Basin, Pakistan, lies in Prospectivity Zone I(F) with estimated resources of 8,676 million barrels of oil and 78 trillion cubic feet of gas. Its petroleum system includes prolific source rocks like Sembar Shales, reservoirs such as Dunghan Limestone and Pab Sandstones, and effective seals like Ghazij and Murga Faqirzai shales. Structural traps and high seismic data resolution enhance its hydrocarbon potential.

23. AHMAD WAL (2965-1)

Discover the untapped energy potential of the Ahmad Wal Block in Balochistan, Pakistan—an area rich in geological promise and hydrocarbon reserves. Spanning 2,268 sq. km, this onshore block lies in the heart of the Balochistan Basin, home to an estimated 8,676 million barrels of oil and 78 trillion cubic feet of gas.

24. PADAG (2864-3)

The Padag Block, located in Balochistan’s Chagai, Nushki, and Kharan districts, covers 2,477.39 sq. km. It lies within the Balochistan Basin, with estimated resources of 8,676 million barrels of oil and 78 trillion cubic feet of gas. The block features favorable geological structures for hydrocarbon accumulation, including anticlinal folds and thrust faults.

25. CHAGAI (2864-4)

Spanning 2,474.17 sq. km in the resource-rich Balochistan Basin, the Chagai Block offers immense hydrocarbon potential. With an estimated 8,676 million barrels of oil and 78 trillion cubic feet of gas, this high-reward block is strategically located near proven reserves and thriving infrastructure. Its favorable geological structures, including anticlinal traps and thrust faults, provide a prime environment for hydrocarbon accumulation.

26. DALBANDIN (2864-5)

The Makran Fold-Belt in the Balochistan Basin offers immense hydrocarbon potential with its rich source rocks, Miocene sandstone reservoirs, and effective shale seals. Its unique geology, shaped by subduction and thrust faulting, creates ideal trapping conditions.

27. MERUI (2864-6)

The Merui Block, located in Chagai district, Balochistan, spans 2478.68 sq. km and holds estimated resources of 8,676 million barrels of oil and 78 trillion cubic feet of gas. The block’s geology includes compressional structures favorable for hydrocarbon accumulation.

28. MERUI WEST (2863-1)

The Merui West Block, covering 2491.45 sq. km in Chagai district, Balochistan, is part of the Balochistan Basin with estimated resources of 8,676 million barrels of oil and 78 trillion cubic feet of gas. It features compressional structures ideal for hydrocarbon accumulation.

29. NOKUNDI SOUTH (2763-7)

The Nokundi South Block, located in Chagai district, Balochistan, spans 2,158.75 sq. km. with estimated resources of 8,676 million barrels of oil and 78 trillion cubic feet of gas. Positioned in the Balochistan Basin, it features favorable anticlinal and thrust fault structures for hydrocarbon accumulation.

29. NOKUNDI (2862-2)

The Nokundi Block, located in Chagai district, Balochistan, spans 2,452.3 sq. km. Positioned in the Balochistan Basin, it features favorable anticlinal and thrust fault structures for hydrocarbon accumulation.

31. TOZGI (2861-1)

The Tozgi Block, spanning 2,427.58 sq. km in Chagai district, Balochistan, Pakistan, presents significant exploration potential in Prospectivity Zone I (F). The block is surrounded by the Nokundi block and is located within the Balochistan Basin, which holds substantial estimated resources of 8,676 million barrels of oil and 78 trillion cubic feet of gas. The area’s tectonic activity, including compressional structures and the Chaghai Magmatic Arc, provides favorable conditions for hydrocarbon accumulation.

Geophysicists Reveal a Hidden Sunken World Beneath the Pacific

Geophysicists Reveal a Hidden Sunken World Beneath the Pacific

A groundbreaking study by geophysicists from ETH Zurich and the California Institute of Technology has uncovered unexpected anomalies in the Earth’s lower mantle beneath the Pacific Ocean. Using advanced high-resolution models, researchers have identified zones where seismic waves behave differently, suggesting the presence of previously unknown materials. This discovery challenges long-standing theories of plate tectonics and opens up a new chapter in understanding Earth’s internal dynamics.

Hidden Anomalies in the Earth’s Mantle

The research, published in Scientific Reports, highlights areas under the western Pacific where seismic waves travel at varying speeds, indicating differences in rock composition or temperature. These zones, which appear as regions where waves either slow down (red) or speed up (blue), were previously undetected. Notably, a large blue zone in the western Pacific presents a significant mystery, as it contradicts existing models of plate tectonics.

The Role of Seismic Waves

Seismic waves are crucial tools for geophysicists to investigate Earth’s interior. When an earthquake occurs, these waves propagate through the Earth, providing valuable data on the planet’s internal structure. The speed and behavior of these waves depend on the material they traverse, allowing scientists to infer the composition and characteristics of subsurface layers.

Unexpected Findings

Traditionally, geophysicists have mapped subducted tectonic plates in expected regions, such as subduction zones where one plate sinks beneath another. However, the new model reveals plate-like anomalies in locations far from any known subduction zones, such as under vast oceans and within continental interiors. These findings defy current geological theories, which do not account for subducted material in these regions.

Potential Explanations and Implications

The anomalies might represent ancient, silica-rich material from the early formation of Earth’s mantle or zones where iron-rich rocks have accumulated over billions of years. These possibilities suggest a more complex and dynamic Earth than previously understood.

According to Thomas Schouten, the study’s lead author, “We believe these anomalies in the lower mantle have diverse origins. They could be remnants of ancient materials or result from mantle convection processes over billions of years.”

The Need for Advanced Models

The researchers emphasize the necessity for even more refined models to further explore these anomalies. Current seismic wave data primarily reveal wave speeds, but deeper analysis of material properties is required to fully understand the nature of these zones. Andreas Fichtner, an ETH professor, notes, “With better examination tools, we can uncover more details, just like a doctor discovering unexpected arteries with advanced imaging technology.”

Future Directions

This discovery sets the stage for further research into Earth’s interior. By enhancing models and incorporating diverse wave types, geophysicists aim to unravel the mysteries of these anomalous zones and their implications for Earth’s geological history and dynamics.

Reference

Schouten TLA, Gebraad L, Noe S et al. Full-waveform inversion reveals diverse origins of lower mantle positive wave speed anomalies. Sci Rep 14, 26708 (2024). DOI: external page10.1038/s41598-024-77399-2

Global Oil & Gas Discoveries 2024 Key Finds and Industry Impact

Global Oil & Gas Discoveries 2024 Key Finds and Industry Impact

The year 2024 was a big year for finding new oil and gas around the world. Many important discoveries were made, which had a big impact on the energy industry. These discoveries show how much better we’ve gotten at finding these resources and how much the world still needs energy. Here, we take a look at the most important discoveries of the year.

1. Guyana’s Offshore Discoveries – 11 Billion BOE

ExxonMobil, in partnership with Hess and CNOOC, continued its prolific exploration in Guyana’s Stabroek Block, with total recoverable resources estimated at around 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent (BOE). This development positions Guyana as a burgeoning petrostate with substantial economic growth prospects.

2. Kuwait’s Al-Nokhatha Field – 3.2 Billion BOE

Kuwait Petroleum Corporation announced a substantial discovery in the Al-Nokhatha field, located east of Failaka Island. The find includes approximately 2.1 billion barrels of light oil and 5.1 trillion cubic feet of gas, totaling around 3.2 billion BOE.

3. Namibia’s Orange Basin – 2 Billion BOE

Namibia’s Orange Basin has garnered significant attention following discoveries by companies like Galp. The Mopane field, for instance, is expected to commence production by 2030, potentially reaching a plateau of 211,000 BOE per day by 2037.

4. China’s Bohai Bay Discovery – 1.3 Billion BOE

China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) announced a significant discovery in Bohai Bay, adding an estimated 1.3 billion BOE to the country’s reserves. This discovery reaffirms the potential of Bohai Bay as a key energy hub for China.

5. Colombia’s Historic Gas Find

Ecopetrol made a landmark gas discovery, marking the largest in Colombia’s history. While the exact volume of recoverable reserves has not been disclosed, the discovery is poised to significantly enhance the country’s energy security and reduce reliance on imports.

Global Oil & Gas Discoveries 2024 Key Finds and Industry Impact

Figure 1 Historical number of oil & Gas discoveries

6. Talos Energy’s Gulf of Mexico Discovery – 15 to 25 Million BOE

Talos Energy reported a discovery in the Ewing Bank 953 well in the Gulf of Mexico, with estimated reserves between 15 to 25 million BOE. Production is anticipated to begin by mid-2026, contributing to the region’s output.

7. Vår Energi’s Goliat Field Discovery

Vår Energi announced a new oil find in the Goliat field, located in the Barents Sea. Although the exact volume of reserves has not been disclosed, this discovery strengthens the field’s potential and opens opportunities for further exploration in the region.

8. Pakistan’s Bhittani Well Discovery

Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) reported a discovery in the Bhittani X-1 well located in the Bannu Basin. The hydrocarbons were encountered in the Middle Jurassic Samanasuk Formation, marking a significant milestone for Pakistan’s exploration activities.

Global Exploration Trends in 2024

Despite concerns about declining exploration activity in previous years, 2024 marked a resurgence in global oil and gas discoveries. Significant finds in regions like Guyana, Namibia, and Kuwait highlight renewed efforts and advancements in exploration technologies. While the industry continues to face challenges such as increasing operational costs and environmental pressures, these discoveries signal optimism for meeting future energy demands.

Conclusion

The discoveries of 2024 highlight both the potential and challenges within the oil and gas industry. While new reserves promise to bolster energy security for various nations, the overall decline in global discoveries suggests a need for continued innovation and strategic exploration to meet future energy demands.

Global Oil & Gas Discoveries 2024 Key Finds and Industry Impact

Figure 2 Countries with largest oil & gas projects of year 2022-23

References

ExxonMobil’s Stabroek Block Updates: ExxonMobil Official SiteKuwait Petroleum Corporation’s Al-Nokhatha Field Announcement: KPC Press Release

Namibia’s Orange Basin Developments: Galp Energy Reports

China’s Bohai Bay Discovery: CNOOC Official Announcement

Ecopetrol’s Gas Find in Colombia: Ecopetrol Newsroom

Talos Energy’s Gulf of Mexico Discovery: Talos Energy Press Release

Vår Energi’s Goliat Field Update: Vår Energi Official Site

OGDCL’s Bhittani Well Discovery: OGDCL Public Statement

What Caused Dinosaur Extinction Meteorite or Volcanism

What Caused Dinosaur Extinction Meteorite or Volcanism

The disappearance of dinosaurs is still one of Earth’s most fascinating mysteries. For years, scientists have argued about whether a giant meteorite or huge volcanic eruptions led to their extinction 66 million years ago. A recent study in *Science Advances* by climate experts from Utrecht University and the University of Manchester brings new insights. Their research shows that the Chicxulub meteorite was the main reason for the dinosaurs’ extinction, while volcanic activity had little to do with it.

Meteorite vs. Volcanism: The Great Debate

The Chicxulub meteorite crash in the Gulf of Mexico is well known as the huge disaster that wiped out the dinosaurs. But the massive volcanic eruptions in India, called the Deccan Traps, also played a role. These eruptions released a lot of CO₂, sulphur, and dust into the air, which changed the Earth’s climate. This caused short-term cooling and long-term warming. The question is: how much did these changes really affect the extinction of the dinosaurs?
What Caused Dinosaur Extinction Meteorite or Volcanism

Greg Price, Rhodri Jerrett and Lauren O’Connor sampling fossilised peats at West Bijou, USA. Photo: Tyler Lyson.

New Insights from Ancient Peats

The research team used ancient peat samples from the United States to study air temperatures around the time of these events. They found that a large volcanic eruption happened about 30,000 years before the meteorite hit, causing global temperatures to drop by 5°C. This cooling, caused by volcanic sulphur blocking sunlight, lasted for about 10,000 years. By 20,000 years before the meteorite impact, temperatures had returned to normal, helped by volcanic CO2 emissions.
Lauren O’Connor, a scientist from Utrecht University, said, “These volcanic eruptions and the release of CO2 and sulphur had a big impact on life on Earth. But these events happened thousands of years before the meteorite impact and probably didn’t play a major role in the extinction of the dinosaurs.”

The Fatal Blow: Chicxulub Meteorite Impact

New studies highlight the terrible damage caused by the Chicxulub meteorite crash. While volcanic activity can cause short-term climate shifts, the meteorite set off a chain of extreme disasters: massive fires, huge ocean waves, earthquakes, and a long period of darkness called an “impact winter” that blocked the sun and wiped out ecosystems.
Rhodri Jerrett from the University of Manchester explains, “The asteroid caused a series of events that destroyed life on Earth. We think it was the asteroid that finally caused the extinction.”

Reconstructing Earth’s Past Climate

The researchers used a new method to study old fossil molecules found in ancient soil layers. These molecules, made by bacteria, change their shape depending on the temperature of the environment. By looking at these changes, scientists were able to build a clear timeline of temperatures before the extinction event.
This approach not only helped understand when the volcanic activity and meteorite impact happened but also provided a fresh way to explore other important moments in Earth’s past.

Conclusion

The scientists tried a new way to study old fossil molecules discovered in ancient soil layers. These molecules, created by bacteria, change their form based on the temperature of their surroundings. By examining these changes, researchers could create a detailed timeline of temperatures before the extinction event.
This method not only helped figure out when the volcanic eruptions and meteorite strike occurred but also offered a new approach to studying other key events in Earth’s history.

Reference

According to a recent publication in Science Advances by O’Connor et al. (2024), the volcanic eruptions that occurred before the meteorite impact likely played a small role in the extinction event. You can read more about the study here.