Identification of the Tunguska event with the explosion of a methane-clouds initiated by a slow- and flat-moving small meteorite

Abstract

The hypothesis of the Tunguska event as an explosion of a toroidal cloud formed by a single ejection of methane into the atmosphere was developed, comprehensively analyzed, and confirmed. The explosion was initiated by a slow- and flat-moving small meteorite. The gas-hydrate nature of the methane ejection was established, and the area was determined from which the ejection occurred. The trajectories of the meteorite and its maximum and minimum dimensions were estimated. The most probable area of the meteorite fall was determined. A statistical analysis was performed of a model experiment on forest fall (explosion of a detonating cord in the form of a ring over a forest of wires). The fall of wires was shown to be not only similar in appearance but also statistically equivalent to the real pattern of tree fall. An explanation is given to the light, acoustic, and atmospheric effects (silver clouds, ozone layer, and magnetic storm) associated with the Tunguska event. The absence of a significant amount of meteoritic material in the epicenter is explained. Taken together, these results confirm the hypothesis under consideration, are consistent with available evidence and provide a physically correct explanation of all features of the Tunguska phenomenon.