Minerals found in southern China indicate that volcanic eruptions produced a 'volcanic winter' some 250 million years ago, eliminating about 90 percent of all life on Earth.
- formed by widespread volcanic activity in different regions in southern China and whose age coincided with the end-Permian mass extinction. Specifically, these deposits were marked by anomalies in their composition likely due to sulfur-rich emissions from nearby volcanic eruptions.... [+]The sulfur levels of the magma play an important role in the effects a volcanic eruption has on the climate
. The sulfur will react with water vapor forming sulfuric acid droplets in the uppermost atmospheric layers, forming vast sulfuric acid clouds that reflect sunlight and lower Earth's average surface temperature for many years. "Sulfuric acid atmospheric aerosols produced by the eruptions may have been the cause of rapid global cooling of several degrees, prior to the severe warming seen across the end-Permian mass-extinction interval," explains Rampino.
The researcher's findings suggested that the Siberian Traps eruptions were not the sole cause of the end-Permian mass extinction. The sulfur-rich eruptions in South China and their effects on the climate may have added to the environmental stress, driving many species into extinction.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
‘Volcanic Winter’ Likely Contributed To Worst Mass Extinction Event In Earth’s HistoryMinerals found in southern China indicate that volcanic eruptions produced a 'volcanic winter' some 250 million years ago, eliminating about 90 percent of all life on Earth.
Read more »
7 Winter Shoe Trends We're Warming Up ToInspired by the runway, we're stepping into these styles ASAP.
Read more »
7 Winter Shoe Trends We're Warming Up ToInspired by the runway, we're stepping into these styles ASAP.
Read more »
A Guide to Curling's Rules and Scoring, Just in Time For the 2022 Winter OlympicsCurling's rules and scoring are actually pretty simple. Here's a guide to the Olympic sport, including explainers on curling terms like 'hammer.'
Read more »
These 15 Amazon Clothing Brands Will Keep You Cozy This WinterFor the laidback girls, the fashion girls, and everyone in between.
Read more »
Never Feel Cold Again With This Capsule Of Winter Fashion EssentialsFrom thermal leggings to ribbed henleys, we identified the 10 core items that should serve as the foundation of all your cold-weather outfits.
Read more »