The age of the Kalaijarv meteorite craters

Precise radiometric age determination of the Kaalijarv meteorite craters on the island of Saaremaa in Estonia have so far proved inconclusive. Here we present trace element analyses of peat cores taken several kilometers away from the Kaalijarv craters that reveal a distinct Ir-enriched layer produc ed by the meteorite impact. By radiocarbon dating the peat cores, we have d etermined for the first time the precise age of the impact that generated t he Kaalijarv craters. The calibrated date of the impact is 400-370 B.C. at +/-1 sigma.