A medium-sized asteroid collision could drastically change the world, scientists warn. Researchers simulated what would happen if an asteroid about 500 meters in diameter hit Earth, which has a roughly 1-in-2700 chance of occurring by 2182. The study found that the impact would have dramatic effects on ecosystems, leading to food scarcity and issues.
In the three years following the collision, temperatures could drop up to four degrees, reducing rainfall by 15% and depleting the ozone layer by around 32%. This would make it difficult for plants to grow, causing a 20-30% reduction in photosynthesis. However, the oceans might thrive due to iron concentration from the dust falling into them.
Phytoplankton would recover quickly and then bloom, attracting small predators that feed on algae. This could provide food security benefits. The study suggests that medium-sized asteroids collide with Earth about every 100-200 thousand years, potentially affecting human evolution and genetics.
The research is reported in a new paper, “Climatic and ecological responses to Bennu-type asteroid collisions,” in the journal Science Advances.
Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/space/asteroid-impact-what-happens-simulation-b2693640.html