China: Scientists confirm massive asteroid created crater in southern China

Jinlin crater measures approximately 2950 feet across. Pic/AFP

A team of scientists has uncovered evidence that a massive asteroid strike created a prominent crater in southern China's Guangdong province roughly 10,000 years ago.

The Jinlin crater, situated near Zhaoqing city, marks only the fifth confirmed impact site in China and the very first identified in the country's southern region.

Measuring approximately 2950 feet across, the tilted, bowl-shaped formation suggests it was formed after a massive asteroid (roughly 100 feet in diameter) strike.

Researchers say that the impact released energy equivalent to 600,000 tonnes of TNT - comparable to the destructive force of 40 Hiroshima-sized atomic bombs.

The impact could have had profound effects on both human populations and the surrounding environment.

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