An Alternate to the Siberian Traps

In summary, the Siberian Traps, once the catalyst for the worst biotic catastrophe in the world, have been greatly eroded over 252 million years. However, from 60 to 43 million years ago, a series of flood basalt eruptions covered a large area and volume in the northern hemisphere. With 40 million more years of erosion, the Russian landscape would likely be drastically changed. The book being written is an alternate history textbook centered around the Siberian Traps and their potential effects on the world.
  • #1
JohnWDailey
34
1
Back home, the catalyst for the worst biotic catastrophe in the world, the Siberian Traps, don't have much left. 252 million years of erosion have reduced the igneous province to a pale shadow of its former self.

From 60 to 43 million years ago (not 252), a series of flood basalt eruptions plagued the northern hemisphere, covering an estimated original area of eleven million square miles and a volume of four million cubic miles.

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40 million years of erosion would mean an altogether different Russian landscape, no doubt, but to what extent? Would we still see vast, singular bands of boreal forests and steppes, or would we expect to see Russia hosting a wider variety of habitats?
 
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  • #3
JohnWDailey said:
Back home, the catalyst for the worst biotic catastrophe in the world, the Siberian Traps, don't have much left. 252 million years of erosion have reduced the igneous province to a pale shadow of its former self.

From 60 to 43 million years ago (not 252), a series of flood basalt eruptions plagued the northern hemisphere, covering an estimated original area of eleven million square miles and a volume of four million cubic miles.

NWlj880.jpg


40 million years of erosion would mean an altogether different Russian landscape, no doubt, but to what extent? Would we still see vast, singular bands of boreal forests and steppes, or would we expect to see Russia hosting a wider variety of habitats?
What is the book you are writing? Please tell us about it.
 
  • #5
Evo said:
What is the book you are writing? Please tell us about it.

Is it necessary to quote the whole thread?

It's for an alternate history textbook, but I won't focus on polishing the history until I have the Cause & Effect verified. I've created the Cause, but I don't know the Effect.

Also, the title is "Alternate Siberian Traps", not "Alternate to the Siberian Traps". This unnecessary addition implies that it is inspired by something else and, considering its location, it is redundant.
 
  • #6
I was just interested in what your story was about.
 
  • #7
If that is all, then it is an alternate history textbook meant to be a blueprint to stories set in that world (in the same vein that our myths and fairy tales are set in our world.)

Do you know the answer to the provided question?
 

1. What are the Siberian Traps?

The Siberian Traps are a large volcanic province located in northern Asia, covering parts of modern-day Siberia, Russia. They were formed by a series of massive volcanic eruptions that occurred between 252 and 250 million years ago.

2. What caused the formation of the Siberian Traps?

The exact cause of the Siberian Traps is still debated among scientists, but it is believed to be a combination of mantle plume activity and the breakup of the supercontinent Pangaea. This led to a massive amount of lava being released onto the Earth's surface, forming the large igneous province.

3. What is the significance of the Siberian Traps?

The Siberian Traps are known for being one of the largest volcanic events in Earth's history, covering an area of over 2 million square kilometers. This event is also associated with the largest mass extinction event in history, known as the Permian-Triassic extinction. It is estimated that 90% of all species on Earth became extinct during this time.

4. Is there an alternate theory for the formation of the Siberian Traps?

There have been various alternative theories proposed for the formation of the Siberian Traps. One theory suggests that the eruptions were triggered by a meteorite impact, while another proposes that the volcanic activity was caused by changes in the Earth's orbit. However, the mantle plume theory remains the most widely accepted explanation.

5. What is the current research on the Siberian Traps?

Scientists are still actively researching the Siberian Traps to better understand the cause and effects of this major volcanic event. Studies have been conducted on the composition of the lava, the environmental impacts of the eruptions, and the role of the Siberian Traps in the Permian-Triassic extinction. Ongoing research aims to shed more light on this mysterious event in Earth's history.

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