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Study Reveals Silverpit Crater Formed by Asteroid Impact

10/9/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Silverpit Crater in the North Sea formed by an asteroid 45 million years ago, not volcanic activity.
A study led by Dr. Uisdean Nicholson, published in Nature Communications, used seismic imaging and rock analysis.
Evidence includes shocked quartz and feldspar crystals; a 160-meter asteroid generated a tsunami over 100 meters high, and Silverpit is among about 33 confirmed underwater craters.

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Story summary

The Silverpit Crater in the North Sea formed by an asteroid 45 million years ago, not volcanic activity.
A study led by Dr. Uisdean Nicholson, published in Nature Communications, used seismic imaging and rock analysis.
Evidence includes shocked quartz and feldspar crystals; a 160-meter asteroid generated a tsunami over 100 meters high, and Silverpit is among about 33 confirmed underwater craters.