Oklahoma’s Ames crater may be 100 million years younger than thought

 In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers have re-dated the Ames impact structure to approximately 370 million years ago, bringing it in line with a notable extinction event in Earth’s geology. Initial dating based on fossil records suggested an earlier timeframe, but through enhanced zircon crystal dating techniques, scientists found a more accurate estimate that may transform our understanding of historical meteor impacts across North America. In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers have re-dated the Ames impact structure to approximately 370 million years ago, bringing it in line with a notable extinction event in Earth’s geology. Initial dating based on fossil records suggested an earlier timeframe, but through enhanced zircon crystal dating techniques, scientists found a more accurate estimate that may transform our understanding of historical meteor impacts across North America.