The research group consisting of Kagoshima University, Tohoku University, Ibaraki University, Tokyo Metropolitan University, and Japan Atomic Energy Agency collected rock samples from the bottom of the Kisogawa riverbed in Sakahogi-machi, Gifu Prefecture and analyzed them using Inductive Coupled Plasma (ICP) Mass Spectrometers and Multiplex Gamma Ray Sensing devices. Evidence was found of a giant meteorite impact that occurred in the late Triassic Period 215 million years ago.

Mass extinction events are known to have happened in the late Triassic Period. A meteorite impact has been considered as one of the causes; however, researchers from around the world have been searching for evidence for the past twenty years without success. This study establishes clear evidence for the first time of the meteorite impact. The results of the research will be presented in the online edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America during the week of November 5 (November 6, 05:00 JST).

More information (Japanese)

[Contact]

Professor Tomoki Nakamura

Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University

TEL: +81-90-1976-5450

E-mail: tomoki*m.tohoku.ac.jp (Replace * with @)