科學家在澳洲發現古老小行星撞擊坑
Scientists discover ancient asteroid impact crater in Australia
Updated at: June 25, 2026 at 12:45 PM
澳洲近期成為兩項開創性地質發現的中心，揭示了地球劇烈的歷史。
Australia has recently become the center of two groundbreaking geological discoveries that shed light on Earth's violent history.
2026年6月，科廷大學的科學家證實，位於西澳州的北極穹丘是世界上最古老的撞擊坑。
In June 2026, scientists from Curtin University confirmed that the North Pole Dome in Western Australia is the world’s oldest impact crater.
這處遺址經測定距今約30.2億年，為研究太古宙提供了稀有的視角。
Dated at an incredible 3.02 billion years old, this site offers a rare glimpse into the Archean eon.
研究人員通過分析受衝擊的鋯石和磷灰石晶體，以及獨特的碎裂錐，證明在久遠的過去，重大的太空撞擊曾形塑著我們的行星。
Researchers confirmed its status by analyzing shock-affected zircon and apatite crystals, as well as distinct shatter cones, proving that major space collisions were shaping our planet long ago.
與此同時，新南威爾斯州的土壤下也隱藏著另一個謎團。
Meanwhile, another mystery lies beneath the soil of New South Wales.
儘管目前尚未經過實地確認，但地球物理數據表明，這可能是地球上最大的撞擊結構，並且可能與某場古老的大規模滅絕事件有關。
While it remains unconfirmed, geophysical data suggests it could be the largest impact structure on Earth, possibly linked to an ancient mass extinction.
北極穹丘為我們深遠的過去提供了可驗證的記錄，而丹尼利昆結構則是一個有待未來深鑽探測以進行確認的迷人潛在巨型遺址。
While the North Pole Dome provides a verified record of our deep past, the Deniliquin structure remains a fascinating, potential giant awaiting future deep-drilling confirmation.
這些地點共同顯示了澳洲的地貌如何保存著影響地球數十億年演化的災難性事件之秘密。
Together, these sites demonstrate how Australia’s landscape holds the secrets to the cataclysmic events that have influenced our planet's evolution over billions of years.
