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The K-T asteroird that destroyed most of the mammal and bird life on earth 65 million years ago was only 10 kilmoters in size. Scientists believed it emptied the water out of the Gulf of Mexico and sent waves over 2,000 ft high into the US, Mexico and South America and left the earth in complete darkness for about a year which shut down the food chain. Winds caused by the pressure of the impact explosion may have reached over 2,000 mph.
Astronomers estimate there are over 1,000 near earth objects over 1 mile wide.
About once every 2,000 years a significant asteroird hits the earth. If one hits a city it would be total destruction much like an atomic blast. Most hit the water since the earth is 75% ocean. However tsunamis caused by these strikes generally cause waves from 300 to 1000 feet high. So even without a direct city hit, you could still see massive coastal city destruction with a just right impact.
A super volcano at Yellowstone which is building up magma at an alarming rate is also a serious concern. Scientists are expecting this within 600,000 to 650,000 years from the last one. We are now 640,000 years since this happened so it could happen at any time. Magma would be flung more than 50 kilometres into the atmosphere. Within a thousand kilometres virtually all life would be killed by falling ash, lava flows and the sheer explosive force of the eruption. Volcanic ash would cover places thousands of miles away. One thousand cubic kilometres of lava would pour out of the volcano itself, enough to coat the whole of the USA with a layer a few inches thick. The explosion would have a force 1000-2500 times that of Mount St. Helens.
A mega tsunami could occur in the Canary Islands Cumbre Vieja Volcano. Although there is now some evidence indicating the original analysis of this is not possible, if it does occur the entire US east coast would be hit with a 100 to 300 foot wave that would go inland about 12 miles.
The earth's magnetic pole reversal which many scientists believe could occur in our lifetime, would also destroy much life on earth, since losing its protective magnetic envelope, the atmosphere would expand and become thinner, possibly leading to altitude sickness near sea level. No longer filtered out, deadly cosmic rays would kill most if, not all, living creatures on the surface. Only those living in deep caves would be safe. Everything electronic on earth would no longer function. Some theorize such a shift may even cause a complete plate shift which would cause winds, earthquakes and tsunamis on an intensity of unimaginable proportions.
In terms of a World War III and IV total annialation nuclear event, Albert Einstein summed that up best with his statement, "I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
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