Micrometeorites and Their Study

Meteorites are not as rare as commonly thought; they are tiny and constantly fall to Earth as micrometeorites. Annually, over 5,200 tons of these particles land on Earth, equivalent to the weight of more than 900 hippos. These micrometeorites are extremely small, measuring between 30 to 200 micrometers, less than a grain of salt. Scientists study them by collecting samples in Antarctica, where the white snow makes them easier to spot, and then extrapolate their findings to estimate global distribution.

What common phenomenon is created when dust particles from space burn up in the Earth's atmosphere?

• Thunderstorms

• Rainbows

• Shooting stars

• Auroras

Approximately how many tons of micrometeorites land on Earth each year?

• 1,000 tons

• 10,000 tons

• 2,500 tons

• 5,200 tons

How do the sizes of micrometeorites compare to common objects?

• Larger than a grain of rice

• Smaller than a grain of salt

• The size of a marble

• The size of a pebble

Where do scientists go to collect micrometeorites due to their visibility?

• The Sahara Desert

• The Amazon Rainforest

• Antarctica

• The Himalayas

What is the primary reason Antarctica is chosen for collecting micrometeorites?

• Its white snow cover

• Its dense forests

• Its high altitude

• Its warm climate

How do scientists use the data collected from Antarctica to understand micrometeorite distribution?

• They use satellite imagery

• They compare it with ocean samples

• They analyze the chemical composition

• They extrapolate the findings globally