An asteroid struck the North Sea about 43 million to 46 million years ago, triggering a tsunami more than 330 feet (100 meters) high. Researchers have found strong evidence confirming the ancient collision, helping settle a scientific debate that lasted more than two decades.
The impact formed the Silverpit Crater, a large structure buried beneath the North Sea floor. Scientists discovered it in 2002 but disagreed over its origins. Some believed an asteroid or comet caused the crater, while others pointed to natural geological activity. A study published in September 2025 in the journal Nature Communications provides new evidence supporting the impact theory.
Scientists solve 20-Year mystery of North Sea crater
A research team led by Dr. Uisdean Nicholson of Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh examined detailed seismic images and rock samples collected from beneath the seabed. The Silverpit Crater lies about 2,300 feet (700 meters) beneath the North Sea floor, roughly 80 miles off the coast of Yorkshire, England. It measures nearly 2 miles (3 kilometers) across and is surrounded by circular fractures extending about 12 miles (20 kilometers).
Its circular shape, raised center, and surrounding fractures initially suggested an asteroid impact. However, some geologists argued that underground salt movements or volcanic activity could have created the formation. The disagreement continued for years. During a public debate in 2009, most participants voted against the asteroid impact theory.
Rare minerals provide evidence of asteroid impact
Researchers have now identified physical evidence supporting the collision. Using improved seismic imaging, the team examined the crater’s underground structure in greater detail. They also discovered two tiny grains of shocked quartz and feldspar in rock samples collected from a nearby oil well. These minerals contain microscopic structures formed under extreme pressure. Such changes provide strong evidence of a high-speed impact because ordinary geological processes cannot produce them.
A massive asteroid struck the North Sea 43 million years ago, triggering a tsunami over 330 feet high.
Now, scientists have uncovered evidence confirming the ancient collision, solving a mystery that puzzled geologists for more than 20 years. pic.twitter.com/1TKGc4oD3P
— Tom Marvolo Riddle (@tom_riddle2025) October 21, 2026
Nicholson described the mineral discovery as decisive evidence that an object from space created Silverpit. The findings add to research on other buried impact sites, including the Nadir Crater discovered off the coast of West Africa, which Nicholson also helped investigate.
Asteroid collision triggered 330-foot tsunami
Researchers also used computer simulations to reconstruct the collision and estimate its effects. Their findings suggest that an asteroid about 525 feet (160 meters) wide approached from the west and struck the seabed at a shallow angle. According to the simulations, the collision sent rock and seawater nearly 1 mile (1.5 kilometers) into the air. As the material fell back into the ocean, it generated a tsunami more than 330 feet (100 meters) high.
The estimated wave height comes from computer modeling rather than direct measurements. Tsunamis can occur when sudden events displace large amounts of seawater. Scientists have also studied the threat of tsunamis caused by underwater landslides and earthquakes in the Aegean Sea.
Professor Gareth Collins of Imperial College London, who contributed to the simulations, also participated in the 2009 debate. He said he had long considered an asteroid impact the most likely explanation for the crater.
Ancient crater offers clues about future asteroid threats
The discovery offers scientists a rare opportunity to examine the underground effects of an ancient collision. Earth has experienced numerous asteroid impacts, but erosion and tectonic activity have destroyed much of the evidence. Researchers have also investigated possible meteorite impact craters in Greece, including the twin Zerelia lakes in Thessaly. Silverpit remains unusually well preserved beneath the seabed, allowing researchers to examine how the collision reshaped surrounding rock layers.
Scientists hope the findings will improve their understanding of ancient impacts and help assess the possible effects of future collisions. The research also comes amid growing attention to asteroids that remain undetected near Earth and the challenges of protecting the planet from potential impacts.
See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!
