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Study Confirms Silverpit Crater's Asteroid Impact Origin

3/20/2026

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Summary

Story summary

New research confirms the Silverpit Crater beneath the North Sea was formed by an asteroid impact 43–46 million years ago.
The study, led by Dr. Uisdean Nicholson, used seismic imaging and microscopic analysis to show impact.
The asteroid was 160 meters wide and struck at a shallow angle, creating a tsunami over 100 meters high.
The finding resolves the crater’s debated origin, and Silverpit now ranks among confirmed impact sites.

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Story summary

New research confirms the Silverpit Crater beneath the North Sea was formed by an asteroid impact 43–46 million years ago.
The study, led by Dr. Uisdean Nicholson, used seismic imaging and microscopic analysis to show impact.
The asteroid was 160 meters wide and struck at a shallow angle, creating a tsunami over 100 meters high.
The finding resolves the crater’s debated origin, and Silverpit now ranks among confirmed impact sites.