Over 3 billion years ago, a massive meteorite collided with Earth, causing chaos in the oceans but also providing essential nutrients. This meteorite was significantly larger than the one that wiped out the dinosaurs. The impact triggered tsunamis, darkened the skies, evaporated seawater, but also brought up vital resources like iron and phosphorus, supporting microbial life. Researchers found evidence of ancient impacts in South Africa, revealing the devastation caused by these events. Despite the initial destruction, these impacts may have actually benefited microbial life in the long run by providing nutrients and prompting a quick recovery, challenging the notion that meteorite hits were always disastrous.
https://www.chemistryworld.com/news/meteorite-200-times-larger-than-one-that-killed-dinosaurs-reset-early-life/4020391.article