Did the Oceans Cause the Extinction of the Woolly Mammoth?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential role of the Storegga Slide and associated methane clathrate destabilization in the extinction of the woolly mammoth and other megafauna. Participants explore geological, climatic, and anthropological factors that may have contributed to these extinctions, with a focus on the implications of oceanic changes during the Holocene period.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the Storegga Slide, a significant geological event, could be linked to the extinction of the woolly mammoth due to its effects on oceanic conditions.
  • Others argue that the timing of the Storegga Slide, which occurred around 8200 years ago, raises questions about its direct impact on mammoth extinction, which is believed to have occurred around 10,000 years ago.
  • A participant mentions that the destabilization of methane clathrates could lead to significant geological and climatic changes, potentially affecting mammoth habitats.
  • There is speculation about the effects of increased methane release on ocean currents and storm activity, with some suggesting that this could lead to drastic climate changes.
  • Some contributions highlight the historical context of scientific theories regarding ice ages and extinctions, questioning how the understanding of clathrates might have altered past explanations.
  • Participants discuss the potential for similar events to occur in the future and their implications for climate change.
  • One participant challenges the notion of human involvement in mass extinctions, suggesting that social theories may overlook the role of early humans as effective hunters.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the relationship between the Storegga Slide and mammoth extinction, with no clear consensus on the extent of its impact or the validity of competing theories. Some agree on the potential significance of methane clathrate destabilization, while others raise doubts about the timing and causation.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include unresolved questions about the timing of geological events, the dependence on specific definitions of extinction causes, and the complexity of interactions between climate, geology, and human activity.

  • #31
Thanks Andre, I can view your presentation in animation too..
I am learning new things here..
 
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  • #32
Ouabache said:
Thanks Andre, I can view your presentation in animation too..
I am learning new things here..

You're welcome and there is plenty more where this is coming from. For instance the methane hydrate events in the Nordic seas are in pace with the 100,000 years cycle as seen in the Antarctic ice cores, See http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6V9Y-4GY89XG-3&_user=10&_coverDate=12%2F31%2F2005&_alid=831212007&_rdoc=3&_fmt=high&_orig=search&_cdi=5911&_docanchor=&view=c&_ct=7&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=68346cb2f38caf58685799820c9b117f.

But similar things happened at the mouth of the Amazon: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6VBC-4N2D64D-2&_user=10&_coverDate=04%2F30%2F2007&_alid=831217205&_rdoc=1&_fmt=high&_orig=search&_cdi=5923&_docanchor=&view=c&_ct=7&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=b01dfbf6718cccf4065ce8b81db28fbf.

Apparantly the oceans went rogue at times, causing destabilisation of methane hydrate and also http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/1138679v1 into the atrmosphere, but why and how and what is cause and what is effect?

I'm sure they are on to something, but what? It should be clear though that -contrary the assessment of the IPCC- we are nowhere near understanding the influence of the oceans on paleo climate
 
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