What are the conditions when an asteroid enters the Earth and falls on the ground. Which areas does it pass through? Following is the step-by-step information about this
First step: entering the ambiance
Given its small and light weight, the steroid molecule most likely would enter the Earth’s atmosphere without causing any significant disturbance. Air currents would take it away, hence it could go a great distance before it ever reaches the earth.
Second: laying down
Should the steroid molecule survive through the atmosphere, it will eventually ground itself. The precise location would depend on factors such molecular size and structure, wind patterns, and air currents. Assume it ends up in a far-off location with little population.
Third step: Understanding soil’s dynamics
Once the steroid molecule comes into touch with the surroundings, there is a good possibility it will interact with them. Being organic compounds, steroids might cling to soil or other organic material. This may result in a minor alteration in the chemical composition of the soil, thereby affecting the local microorganisms.
Step 4: Microbial reaction
Addition of a foreign element such as a steroid to Earth may cause reaction among the local organisms. Microorganisms could either use the steroid molecule or break down it. Small changes in the soil’s environment brought forth by this could affect the local food chain.
Step 5: Take In Planting
Should plants growing in the polluted soil absorb the steroid molecule, it may be transported to other areas of the plant and influence its development. Small changes in the chemistry or physiology of the plant may follow from this.
The sixth step: endangering animals
Animals consuming the impacted plants could possibly absorb the steroid chemical or its derivatives. Little amounts of the steroid could enter the animal’s system and alter its behaviour or health.
The seventh step is disturbance of the ecology
Including a steroid or anything else fresh into the surroundings could upset the delicate equilibrium. Though tiny, the effects could travel the food chain and alter the dynamics of population increase or species interactions.
Step 8: Socialising with people
People could consume the extremely rare steroid molecule in the event of contamination of plants or animals entering the food chain. Still, the numbers would most likely be quite little and would not cause any damage.
The ninth step: consequences on the earth
The steroid molecule is quite little and most likely ends up in the environment, hence it won’t have much impact on the planet overall. Earth’s environmental mechanisms are robust and can manage little variations.
Ultimately, the world or humans would not significantly change if one single steroid molecule entered the Earth’s atmosphere and then dropped to the ground. Different living entities would dilute, distribute, and break down the chemical to create safety.
Kindly be aware that this is only a speculation. Many factors would determine the actual effects of a steroid molecule entering the environment, including type of molecule, abundance of it, and location of occurrence.