Topic: Nanodiamonds

Randall Carlson details the physical evidence for a hypervelocity impact 12,900 years ago, including magnetic grains, iridium, and nanodiamonds. He explains how nuclear weapons testing helped scientists identify these naturally occurring impact proxies. Carlson cites the seminal 2007 paper by Richard Firestone as the catalyst for the modern Younger Dryas impact hypothesis.

Researchers have identified specific chemical signatures, or impact proxies, that confirm massive cosmic strikes on the North American ice cap 12,800 years ago. These markers include nanodiamonds, carbon spherules, and melt glass similar to trinitite, which require temperatures exceeding 2,200 degrees centigrade to form. Because the primary impacts occurred on ice sheets miles deep, traditional craters were transient, leaving behind distinct layers of ash and shock effects in the soil rather than permanent geological depressions.