48 pages • 1 hour read
T. Rex and the Crater of Doom
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Book Brief
208
Book • Nonfiction
Earth • 1980s
1997
Adult
15-18 years
1380L
Super Short Summary
T. Rex and the Crater of Doom by Walter Álvarez details his hypothesis that an asteroid impact caused the mass extinction of dinosaurs. He recounts his initial observations, research, and collaboration with other scientists, leading to the discovery of the Chicxulub crater. This discovery reshaped scientists' understanding of Earth's history by illustrating the significant role of catastrophic events in shaping the planet.
Informative
Mysterious
Challenging
Inspirational
Suspenseful
Reviews & Readership
2,249 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Walter Álvarez's T. Rex and the Crater of Doom is praised for its engaging narrative and clear explanation of the scientific discovery linking an asteroid impact to the dinosaurs' extinction. Some critiques mention the technical jargon can be challenging for general readers. Overall, it is a compelling read that balances scientific exploration with accessible writing.
Who Should Read T. Rex and the Crater of Doom?
A reader who enjoys T. Rex and the Crater of Doom by Walter Álvarez is likely fascinated by natural history, geology, and the mysteries of mass extinction events. Comparable to readers of Simon Winchester's Krakatoa and Douglas Preston's The Lost City of the Monkey God, they appreciate accessible scientific writing that unravels historical enigmas.
2,249 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Luis W. Alvarez
Luis W. Alvarez
An experimental physicist and Walter Alvarez’s father, who supported his son's asteroid impact hypothesis research through professional connections and scientific discussions.
Frank Asaro
Frank Asaro
A nuclear chemist who assisted Walter Alvarez by measuring trace elements in KT boundary rock samples, crucially identifying elevated iridium levels.
Alan Hildebrand
Alan Hildebrand
A Canadian geologist who played a key role in locating the Chicxulub crater, the proposed impact site connected to the KT boundary, through his research on tsunami beds.
Jose Manuel Grajales
Jose Manuel Grajales
A Mexican geologist who provided rock samples from the Chicxulub crater and collaborated in fieldwork to support the impact hypothesis.
Carl Zimmer
Carl Zimmer
An American science journalist and author of the foreword, who emphasizes the significance of Alvarez’s impact hypothesis in geology and paleontology.
Jan Smit
Jan Smit
A Dutch paleontologist who found evidence of iridium in Spain and collaborated with Alvarez on research supporting the asteroid impact hypothesis.
Helen V. Michel
Helen V. Michel
An American chemist who conducted key tests on rock samples for iridium and other elements, providing critical evidence for the impact theory.
208
Book • Nonfiction
Earth • 1980s
1997
Adult
15-18 years
1380L
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