The impact rate on Earth

Philos Trans A Math Phys Eng Sci. 2005 Dec 15;363(1837):2793-810. doi: 10.1098/rsta.2005.1674.

Abstract

Recent data, and modelling of the interaction between asteroids and the atmosphere, has defined a complete size-frequency distribution for terrestrial impactors, from meteorite-sized objects up to kilometre-sized asteroids, for both the upper atmosphere and the Earth's surface. Although there remain significant uncertainties in the incidence of specific size-fractions of impactors, these estimates allow us to constrain the threat posed by impacts to human populations. It is clear that impacts remain a significant natural hazard, but uniquely, they are a threat that we can accurately predict, and take steps to avoid.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Computer Simulation
  • Disasters / statistics & numerical data*
  • Earth, Planet*
  • Geology / methods*
  • Meteoroids*
  • Models, Theoretical*
  • Proportional Hazards Models*
  • Risk Assessment / methods*
  • Risk Factors