Walter Álvarez

Walter Alvarez is a scientist known for discovering that a massive asteroid impact caused the mass extinction of the dinosaurs around 66 million years ago. He and his father, Luis Alvarez, identified a layer of unusual iridium-rich clay in the Earth’s geological record, which they linked to the impact. This discovery revolutionized understanding of Earth's history, showing how cosmic events can dramatically affect life on our planet. Alvarez's work combined geology, chemistry, and astronomy, highlighting the interconnectedness of natural sciences and the importance of interdisciplinary research in uncovering Earth's history.