Simulation of an asteroid impact with Earth

Given that most of our planet’s surface is covered by seas and oceans, the highest probability of an asteroid impact is right there.

Scientists from Los Alamos National Laboratory have created a computer model thatóry analyzes what would happen if an asteroid hit któlynx from the oceanów. Using the developed model, the researchers looked at how exactly shock waves behave and how they vary with sizeóin asteroids. The model also showed róThere are different variants of the catastrophe depending on the angle of impact or the disintegration of the asteroid in the air into several parts.

Experts believe apocalyptic visions of a devastated planet after an asteroid impact may be exaggerated. They prepared a series of visualizations showing what might happen after close contact with a large celestial body.

They have estimated that the impact on the ocean of an asteroid with a size of 10-20 kilometersów will cause very serious damage. In addition to the powerful tsunami waves, whichóThe model was developed by the Los Alamos National Laboratoryóry will cause the evaporation of gigantic amounts of water. This, in turn, will enter the atmosphere in the form of water vapour, which may result in sudden meteorological changes.

But the impact itself, obviously away from the shoreline, will produce smaller waves than a tsunami. According to the researchers, the water will behave similarly to a tropical storm. However, if this were to happen near the coast, the disaster would claim many lives.