Today's Climate Change and the Permian-Triassic Boundary

Thread starter ChinleShale
Start date Oct 22, 2020
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Boundary Change Climate Climate change

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The discussion centers on the Permian-Triassic Boundary, where a significant greenhouse effect nearly eradicated life on Earth 250 million years ago, primarily due to volcanic activity from the Siberian Traps. Recent research indicates that this mass extinction was driven by ocean acidification linked to carbon dioxide emissions from volcanic eruptions, leading to widespread deoxygenation and ecosystem collapse. Comparisons are drawn to current climate change, highlighting that while today's changes may seem gradual, they are rapid on an evolutionary timescale, potentially resulting in numerous extinctions. The conversation also touches on the role of coal burning and methane hydrates in exacerbating CO2 levels during that period. Overall, the findings emphasize the critical relationship between geological events, atmospheric chemistry, and the health of marine ecosystems.

Oct 31, 2020

jim mcnamara

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@Genava
Well, as a counterpoint take Harlan Bretz and the Channeled Scablands. Took 40 years of acrimonious debate to be accepted.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Channeled_Scablands