Quantum mechanics

Extraterrestrial life

Precambrian

Demography

Impact structure

Ecology

Biology

Early Earth

Earth science

Earth (classical element)

Geology

Paleontology

Physics

Astronomy

Ejecta

Mars Exploration Program

Population

Sociology

Environmental science

Astrobiology

Extinction event

Geologic time scale

Geologic record

Impact crater

Supernova

Biosphere

Solar System

Earth history

Sedimentary rock

Biological dispersal

This article presents a current (as of September 2019) list of recommended ages for proven terrestrial impact structures (n = 200) and deposits (n = 46) sourced from the primary literature. High-precision impact ages can be used to (1) reconstruct and quantify the impact flux in the inner Solar System and, in particular, the Earth–Moon system, thereby placing constraints on the delivery of extraterrestrial mass accreted on Earth through geologic time; (2) utilize impact ejecta as event markers in the stratigraphic record and to refine bio- and magneto-stratigraphy; (3) test models and hypotheses of synchronous double or multiple impact events in the terrestrial record; (4) assess the potential link between large impacts, mass extinctions, and diversification events in the biosphere; and (5) constrain the duration of melt sheet crystallization in large impact basins and the lifetime of hydrothermal systems in cooling impact craters, which may have served as habitats for microbial life on the early Earth and, possibly, Mars.

Earth's Impact Events Through Geologic Time: A List of Recommended Ages for Terrestrial Impact Structures and Deposits