A meteor hit Oklahoma 100 million years later than scientists thought

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Published: 2026-10-04T13:21:52.830Z • Permanent link

Scientists at the University of Oklahoma have made a groundbreaking discovery that has significant implications for our understanding of meteor impacts and the Earth's geological history. The team, led by Dr. Matthew Bennett, has been studying the Ames impact crater, a large meteorite crater buried beneath Oklahoma. Utilizing advanced geophysical techniques and state-of-the-art analytical methods, the researchers have determined that the Ames impact crater is approximately 100 million years younger than previously thought. According to the data, the Ames impact occurred around 370 million years ago, putting it firmly in the Ordovician period. This finding is significant not only because it challenges our current understanding of the Ordovician bombardment, but also because it sheds new light on the geological history of North America.

The discovery was made possible by the use of zircon crystals, which are some of the oldest and most resistant minerals on Earth. These crystals, found in the Ames impact crater, have been dated using advanced techniques such as uranium-lead dating. The results, published in a recent study, show that the zircon crystals are approximately 370 million years old, which is significantly younger than the previously estimated age of the Ames impact. The researchers believe that this finding is due to the presence of a large amount of sedimentary rock overlying the impact crater, which has obscured the true age of the crater.

The discovery of the Ames impact crater's true age has significant implications for the scientific community. The Ames impact is thought to have been one of the largest meteorite impacts to have occurred on Earth, and its age has been a subject of debate among scientists for many years. The new findings provide valuable insights into the geological history of North America and the formation of the Ames impact crater. Furthermore, the discovery of the zircon crystals has shed new light on the processes that occur during meteorite impacts and the effects they have on the surrounding environment.

The discovery of the Ames impact crater's true age has significant implications for the fields of geology, meteoritics, and data science. For companies such as Geonex, which specializes in geophysical surveying and mapping, the findings have significant implications for their business. The discovery of the Ames impact crater's true age provides valuable insights into the geological history of North America, which can be used to inform drilling and exploration activities. Furthermore, the use of advanced geophysical techniques and state-of-the-art analytical methods has significant implications for the development of new data products and services.

The discovery also has implications for research communities, such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which is responsible for developing and maintaining standards for geophysical surveying and mapping. The findings highlight the importance of accurate and reliable data in the field of geology, and the need for continued investment in research and development. Additionally, the discovery has significant implications for policy environments, such as the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), which is responsible for monitoring and mitigating the effects of natural hazards, including meteorite impacts.

The discovery of the Ames impact crater's true age is part of a larger pattern of research into the geological history of North America. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in research into the geological history of the continent, driven in part by advances in geophysical surveying and mapping. The discovery of the Ames impact crater's true age highlights the importance of continued investment in research and development, and the need for a coordinated approach to understanding the geological history of the continent.