Chicxulub museum, geosciences in Mexico, outreach and science communication – built from the crater up
2021
Abstract. The Chicxulub science museum is special, in that it is built around an event
in geological time representing a turning point in the planet's history and
which brings together the Earth system components. Studies on the
Chicxulub impact, mass extinction and Cretaceous–Paleogene boundary provide
an engaging context for effective geoscience communication, outreach and
education. The museum is part of a research complex in Yucatan Science
and Technology Park in Mexico. Natural history museums with research
components allow for the integration of up-to-date advances, expanding their
usefulness and capabilities. The impact ranks among the major single events
shaping Earth's history, triggering global climatic change and wiping out
∼76 % of species. The ∼200 km Chicxulub
crater is the best preserved of three large terrestrial multi-ring impact
structures, being a natural laboratory for investigating impact dynamics,
crater formation and planetary evolution. The initiative builds on the
interest that this geological site has for visitors, scholars and students
by developing wide-reaching projects, a collaboration network and academic
activities. The Chicxulub complex serves as a hub for multi- and
interdisciplinary projects on the Earth and planetary sciences, climate
change and life evolution, fulfilling a recognized task for communication of
geosciences. After decades of studies, the Chicxulub impact remains under
intense scrutiny, and this programme with the core facilities built inside the
crater will be a major player.
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