Mass Extinction Event 259-263 Mya via volcanic activity.

In summary, a recent study published in Earth and Planetary Science Letters suggests that oxygen-deprived oceans were responsible for two mass extinctions during the Middle Permian Period, around 259 million and 262 million years ago. This research was conducted by a team of scientists, including Thomas Algeo of the University of Cincinnati, who noted the similarities between the current global warming crisis and the environmental changes that occurred during the Permian Period. The study's lead researcher, Huyue Song, also emphasized the relevance of these findings to current global issues such as ocean hypoxia, seawater acidification, and biodiversity decline.
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From physics org.

" researchers says evidence suggests this mass extinction was not a single event but two, separated by nearly 3 million years.

By studying uranium isotope profiles of marine samples collected in the South China Sea, scientists identified two "pulses" in which the oceans became deprived of oxygen.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0012821X23001413?via%3Dihub
In a study published in the journal Earth and Planetary Science Letters, researchers say their analysis provides evidence that the oxygen-deprived oceans precipitated two mass extinctions around 259 million and 262 million years ago during the Middle Permian Period.

"We are studying the biocrisis in the Permian Period, but similar warming is happening today because of human events," said Thomas Algeo, a study co-author and University of Cincinnati professor of geosciences. "Humans are mimicking the effects of volcanic eruptions as a consequence of the release of carbon into the atmosphere."

The study was led by researcher Huyue Song at the China University of Geosciences, a former postdoctoral researcher at UC.

"Today, we are facing several global change issues, including global warming, ocean hypoxia, seawater acidification and biodiversity decline, which are similar to the environmental changes during the Middle Permian biological crisis interval," Song said."
 
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@Bystander Should I have put a question mark in the title? Or something more substantial?
 

What was the mass extinction event that occurred between 259-263 million years ago?

The mass extinction event that occurred between 259-263 million years ago is often associated with significant volcanic activity. This period is characterized by extensive eruptions and the release of vast amounts of volcanic gases, which had profound effects on the global environment and climate, leading to severe disruptions in ecosystems and a major loss of biodiversity.

What caused the mass extinction event during this period?

The primary cause of the mass extinction event during this period is believed to be the massive and prolonged volcanic activity. The volcanism would have led to the emission of large quantities of carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide, causing drastic changes in the atmosphere and oceans, such as global warming, ocean acidification, and anoxia (lack of oxygen), which were detrimental to many forms of life.

Which regions were most affected by the volcanic activity during this mass extinction event?

While the exact geographical extent of the volcanic activity is still a subject of research, it is generally believed that the eruptions were widespread. Regions such as what is now Siberia (the Siberian Traps) are known to have experienced extensive volcanic activity and are often cited as a significant source of the environmental changes that led to the mass extinction.

How did this mass extinction event affect global biodiversity?

This mass extinction event had a catastrophic impact on global biodiversity. It led to the extinction of a significant proportion of marine and terrestrial species. The environmental upheaval disrupted ecosystems on a global scale, leading to the collapse of food chains and the loss of habitats, which made survival difficult for numerous species.

What are the long-term effects of this mass extinction event on the evolution of life on Earth?

The long-term effects of this mass extinction event were profound, as it significantly altered the course of evolutionary history. The event paved the way for the emergence and evolution of new species and ecosystems, as surviving species adapted to the changed environmental conditions. This period of recovery and diversification set the stage for subsequent evolutionary developments, including the rise of the dinosaurs and, much later, mammals.

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