Impact-generated heart, porosity (IMAGE)

Southwest Research Institute

Impact-generated heart, porosity

Caption

Southwest Research Institute scientists modeled the early impact history of Earth, seeking insight into potential origins of life. Based on the models, a 6-mile (10-kilometer) asteroid striking the early Earth at 9 miles per second (15 km/second) creates a crater with impact-generated permeability (left) and heat profiles (right) that could create hydrothermal conditions capable of supporting the evolution of life.  

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Southwest Research Institute

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