A KT Check-in

I've started reading on the KT Event, just to get some perspective on what different things were actually happening at the close of the Cretaceous. From the images I've seen of the ash layer, there is a very clear and distinct difference above and below the line. Even though the DVP was already erupting causing a slow die-off, it is not as noticeable as the KT layer. Besides, the gradual nature of the DVP extinctions would give time enough for animals and plants to adapt, evolve, and migrate - leaving survivors. Also, those furthest from the eruption would be less affected.

We cannot rule out the impact - or series of impacts, if that was the case - since they were the final killing strike. The KT layer thickens towards Mexico. This is obvious. How the Shiva impact works into the equation other than speeding up the Indian continent, is not yet clear. The Shiva impact is unlikely the cause of the upwarping of the Moho. That is an important piece of the puzzle and very specific. If Chicxulub and Shiva were of the same impact event, that only gives us a clue as to what hit us and adds more dynamics to the KT Event. Shiva just adds to the excitement.

As for the DVP, we can compare it to other major eruptions. I read something about the Toba eruption about 75,000 years ago. It is supposedly the largest eruption of the Quaternary but with no known major extinctions or other major problems brought about by it. A comparison might be in order between the Deccans and Toba and might just shed some light on the DVP part of the equation. Just some thoughts. Until later...