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You should note that the PETM CO2 increase was over multiple orders of magnitude (appr. 20,000 year vs 100) and theoretical rate of emission was 1-2 orders of m
by throwaway5752 8y ago
You should note that the PETM CO2 increase was over multiple orders of magnitude (appr. 20,000 year vs 100) and theoretical rate of emission was 1-2 orders of magnitude less than the current rate.
- antognini 8y agoWhile that's probably true, it's not known for certain what the rate of emission was. 20,000 years is only an upper bound. It's possible that the process that led to the CO2 emissions happened over very short timescales (e.g., a comet impact or volcanic activity). Until we know the process, we can't constrain the rate.
- throwaway5752 8y agoI upvoted you, thank you for replying, but please give me a bit of charity and understand I was replying with the standard geological uncertainties assumed. But my understanding is the best fit is volcanic activity by peat or coal beds over a much longer relative timeframe than current emissions.