How did the Chicxulub impact affect life at the end of the Cretaceous Period?

The Chicxulub impact approximately 66 million years ago triggered a mass extinction event that eliminated roughly 80 percent of all species, marking the end of the Cretaceous Period.12

Immediate and Global Effects

The collision vaporized massive amounts of rock and water, triggering severe earthquakes and tsunamis that devastated coastal regions. The impact also released vast quantities of sulfur into the atmosphere, likely causing acid rain and ocean acidification. Furthermore, global wildfires were ignited by the fireball and falling debris.231

Long-term Environmental Collapse

The most significant consequence was the ejection of dust and debris into the atmosphere, which enshrouded the planet in darkness for months or years. This prevented photosynthesis, causing the collapse of food chains and a drastic drop in global temperatures. While dinosaurs perished, some groups, such as birds, small mammals, and certain freshwater species, managed to survive. Scientists continue to debate whether this impact was the sole cause of extinction or if it exacerbated existing environmental stresses, such as climate change and volcanic activity.1324