New Insights into Earth's Climate History and Mass Extinction
An international team of geologists has uncovered groundbreaking findings regarding ancient volcanic activity and its long-term impact on Earth's climate. Published in the journal Nature Geoscience on October 30, the study reveals that ancient volcanoes continued to emit carbon dioxide long after their eruptions ceased, challenging previous scientific assumptions. This discovery sheds light on the prolonged warming periods that occurred during significant climate shifts in Earth's history, particularly after the end-Permian mass extinction 252 million years ago.
The lead author of the study, Benjamin Black, an associate professor at Rutgers University-New Brunswick, explained that scientists have struggled to understand why the Earth's atmosphere did not stabilize more quickly following the end-Permian mass extinction, which marked the most severe biodiversity loss in Earth's history. While previous research linked this mass extinction to intense volcanic eruptions, the climate took nearly five million years to recover, raising questions about the mechanisms at play.
By examining preserved prehistoric rocks and utilizing the Spatially Integrated Global Carbon and Climate Model (Syon), the researchers found evidence that volcanic vents, even after their eruptions had ended, continued to release carbon dioxide from deep within the Earth's crust. This phenomenon, termed “hidden carbon,” indicates that volcanic activity had a more prolonged impact on atmospheric conditions than previously understood. The researchers' new carbon dioxide release estimates aligned better with geological records, suggesting that elevated carbon dioxide levels were responsible for extended periods of warming.
Implications for Modern Climate Change
The study also highlights a critical contrast between ancient and modern carbon emissions. Today, human activities release significantly more carbon dioxide than all active volcanoes combined. This finding offers a glimmer of hope, suggesting that if humanity can reduce its carbon footprint, the Earth may still have the capacity to recover from current climate challenges. The research emphasizes the importance of understanding past climate events to inform future climate action and policy decisions.
