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The best hypothesis at the moment is that the Permian-Triassic mass extinction event was caused by the enormous, million-year long eruptions that formed the Sib
by ilove_banh_mi 8y ago
The best hypothesis at the moment is that the Permian-Triassic mass extinction event was caused by the enormous, million-year long eruptions that formed the Siberian Traps, combined with their ignition of carbonate rocks (which were in the process of forming large coal beds). The rise in CO2 levels and global temperature was not the fundamental problem for life on Earth -- it was the complete disruption of photosynthesis both on land and in the oceans.
If you consider the scale, mechanisms, duration, and size of the Siberian Traps eruptions [1] there is no reasonable comparison with the current effects and future consequences of just the industrial rise in atmospheric CO2 levels.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siberian_Traps https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siberian_Traps
- thomasahle 8y agoWhat's your point? That maybe this time 95% of all life won't die?
- ilove_banh_mi 8y agoWell, would you assert that the industrial rise in CO2 levels, as such, will have consequences comparable to one of the worst mass-extinction events, caused by gigantic volcanic eruptions lasting millions of years? I hold that unlike causes have unlike effects. The Permian-Triassic extinction started with and involved many more destructive elements than merely increased CO2 and global warming. Unlike what we are experiencing today.