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Simulation of Early Earth Hydrothermal Chimneys in a Thermal Gradient Environment
Published on: February 27, 2021
A terminal mesozoic "greenhouse": lessons from the past
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|August 4, 1978
Summary
Global warming caused by carbon dioxide triggered late Mesozoic extinctions. This ancient event, driven by greenhouse conditions, offers parallels to modern climate change from human activities like fossil fuel burning.
Area of Science:
- Paleoclimatology
- Paleontology
- Geochemistry
Background:
- The late Mesozoic Era concluded with mass extinctions, impacting marine and terrestrial life.
- Previous research indicated potential links between climate change and these extinction events.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of carbon dioxide-induced global warming in the late Maestrichtian extinctions.
- To analyze climate trends and their impact on Mesozoic ecosystems.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of late Mesozoic rock and life records.
- Interpretation of oxygen isotope data from marine microfossils to reconstruct past climate.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests short-term global warming (10^5–10^6 years) occurred in the late Maestrichtian due to greenhouse conditions.
- Oxygen isotope data reveal a cooling trend in the mid-Maestrichtian followed by warming into the Cenozoic.
- Marine organisms, particularly small calcareous ones, were negatively impacted by CO2-enriched waters, affecting food webs.
Conclusions:
- Sudden warming following a cooling period overwhelmed animal adaptations, contributing to extinctions.
- Deep ocean CO2 release may have amplified warming, creating a feedback loop.
- Modern human activities, such as fossil fuel combustion and deforestation, could replicate these past warming conditions.
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