DINOSAURS –

A PATCHWORK
PRESENTATION

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC

OVERVIEW

• Main elements of concept

• Why important
• Main criticisms
• How concept has helped me understand
K-T LAYER – WHAT ARE THE MAIN ELEMENTS?

• Moment in sedimentary record:

• Cretaceous to Tertiary

• Evidence for the CME

• Discovered by Dale Russel
• Gubbio, Italy
• Denmark, New Zealand
 WHY ARE THE DECCAN TRAPS INTERESTING?

• Main piece of evidence for volcanic theory

• Responsible of CME
• Substantial size
• Timeframes coincided with the formation of the KT Layer
• Fits with Gradualism
• Ash and climate chance
• Iridium and shocked quartz
THE MAIN LIMITATIONS OF GRADUALISM.

• Shocked quartz
• Gradualism cannot explain the K/T layer
• A sprinkle of diamonds
• It has been challenged by catastrophism
HOW SHOCKED QUARTZ HAS HELPED TO
UNDERSTAND THE CREATACEOUS MASS EXTINCTION

• Evidence of Impact - Background

• Geologist acceptance of the cosmic Impact theory

CONCLUSION
REFERENCES