The discovery of the giant Chicxulub impact crater, buried off the coast of Mexico, unveiled the solution to one of Earth's greatest mysteries--what killed the dinosaurs. Scientists uncovered physical evidence to explain the mass extinction that rocked the Earth 65 million years ago. Step-by-step, The End of the Dinosaurs: Chicxulub Crater and Mass Extinctions tells this great scientific detective story. Charles Frankel recounts the birth of the cosmic hypothesis, which holds that the crash of a meteor on the Earth's surface killed two-thirds of life and all the dinosaurs. He first provides a dramatic account of the impact and its aftermath. Frankel then goes on to detail the controversy that preceded the acceptance of the cosmic hypothesis, the search for the crater, its discovery and ongoing exploration, and the effect of the giant impact on the biosphere. In addition, he reviews other mass extinctions in the fossil record and the threat of asteroids and comets to our planet today. More than 70 photographs and diagrams enhance and help illustrate the material. Filled with drama and interesting science, The End of the Dinosaurs will readily appeal to both the general reader fascinated with the subject and the specialist always searching for more clues to this great mystery. Charles Frankel has written a number of articles on the earth sciences in books and magazines. His many books include Volcanoes of the Solar System (Cambridge University Press 1996).

"Approximately 65 million years ago, at the close of the Cretaceous era, Earth underwent a major bout of extinctions....In this attractive volume, Frankel attempts to pinpoint the cause of this devastation. Summarizing a wealth of scientific information, he argues that either a comet or a huge asteroid slammed into Earth near Puerto Chicxulub...A true science detective, Frankel marshals his facts, outlines the search for culprits, describes the scene of the crime and portrays the other sleuths on the case." Publishers Weekly"Concise and riveting book...scientists of all backgrounds will be impressed with and benefit from the author's contribution." Northeastern Naturalist"Frankel...offers an excellent history of the research, as well as speculation on how to stop another large meteorite from striking Earth and causing the extinction of human beings." Library Journal"A workmanlike job, covering the main events and key players of one of the great stories in modern science." barnesandnoble.com"...does a good job of bringing all of the threads in the development of the comet theory together...excellent chapters covering mass extinction, the impact hypothesis, the search for and discovery of the Chicxulub crater, and a review of other extinctions. The author's examination of the possibility of another impact and what we could do about it make for interesting reading. This book is best used as a reference at the high school or college level to demonstrate how theories are developed, molded, and changed over time as new evidence emerges." NSTA Recommends"This is a very good book if you are interested in the history of the K/T impact..." Society for Sedimentary Geology"The book's economical, lucid style is entertaining and accessible to non-experts...It also handles technical concepts well, thanks to the author's training in geology and his subsequent work directing educational films." Journal of Geoscience Education

Out of a clear blue sky a colossal comet slammed into Earth 65 million years ago. The cataclysm massacred 70% of all lifeforms on Earth, including the celebrated dinosaurs. The fossil relic of the Earth-shattering event today lies hidden under the Yucatan coast of Mexico. Charles Frankel tells of the brilliant intuitions, controversies, and gratifying discoveries that led to the discovery of the giant impact crater. His thrilling account reaches out both to the general reader and the student of the earth sciences.

Scientists uncover physical evidence in a comprehensive look at how the Chixulub Crater may have been ground zero for an asteroid that put an end to great creatures that once roamed the Earth. Illustrations, diagrams throughout.

1. The night of the dinosaurs; 2. A detective's diary; 3. A controversial idea; 4. Looking for the crater; 5. Chicxulub Crater; 6. A Cataclysmic Event; 7. Waiting for the comet.