Mass Extinction Event 259-263 Mya via volcanic activity.

In summary, a recent study published in Earth and Planetary Science Letters suggests that oxygen-deprived oceans were responsible for two mass extinctions during the Middle Permian Period, around 259 million and 262 million years ago. This research was conducted by a team of scientists, including Thomas Algeo of the University of Cincinnati, who noted the similarities between the current global warming crisis and the environmental changes that occurred during the Permian Period. The study's lead researcher, Huyue Song, also emphasized the relevance of these findings to current global issues such as ocean hypoxia, seawater acidification, and biodiversity decline.
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From physics org.

" researchers says evidence suggests this mass extinction was not a single event but two, separated by nearly 3 million years.

By studying uranium isotope profiles of marine samples collected in the South China Sea, scientists identified two "pulses" in which the oceans became deprived of oxygen.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0012821X23001413?via%3Dihub
In a study published in the journal Earth and Planetary Science Letters, researchers say their analysis provides evidence that the oxygen-deprived oceans precipitated two mass extinctions around 259 million and 262 million years ago during the Middle Permian Period.

"We are studying the biocrisis in the Permian Period, but similar warming is happening today because of human events," said Thomas Algeo, a study co-author and University of Cincinnati professor of geosciences. "Humans are mimicking the effects of volcanic eruptions as a consequence of the release of carbon into the atmosphere."

The study was led by researcher Huyue Song at the China University of Geosciences, a former postdoctoral researcher at UC.

"Today, we are facing several global change issues, including global warming, ocean hypoxia, seawater acidification and biodiversity decline, which are similar to the environmental changes during the Middle Permian biological crisis interval," Song said."
 
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@Bystander Should I have put a question mark in the title? Or something more substantial?
 

FAQ: Mass Extinction Event 259-263 Mya via volcanic activity.

What caused the mass extinction event between 259-263 million years ago?

The mass extinction event that occurred between 259-263 million years ago, known as the Permian-Triassic extinction event, is believed to have been primarily caused by extensive volcanic activity in the Siberian Traps. This volcanic activity released vast amounts of greenhouse gases, leading to significant climate change, ocean acidification, and a decrease in oxygen levels in the oceans.

How did volcanic activity contribute to the extinction of species?

The volcanic activity released large volumes of carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere, causing global temperatures to rise and leading to acid rain. These environmental changes created inhospitable conditions for many species, disrupting ecosystems and leading to widespread habitat loss, which ultimately resulted in the extinction of approximately 90% of marine species and 70% of terrestrial vertebrate species.

What evidence supports the theory of volcanic activity as the cause of this extinction event?

Evidence supporting the theory includes geological records showing layers of volcanic rock corresponding to the timing of the extinction event, as well as high levels of carbon isotopes in sediment layers that suggest a massive influx of carbon into the atmosphere. Additionally, studies of ancient climate data indicate significant shifts in temperature and ocean chemistry during this period, aligning with the timeline of the Siberian Traps eruptions.

Were there any other factors contributing to the mass extinction event?

While volcanic activity is considered the primary driver, other contributing factors may have included methane release from oceanic methane clathrates, changes in sea level, and possibly asteroid impacts. These factors could have exacerbated the environmental stress caused by the volcanic eruptions, further destabilizing ecosystems and contributing to the extinction of numerous species.

What lessons can we learn from the Permian-Triassic extinction event?

The Permian-Triassic extinction event highlights the potential consequences of rapid environmental changes, particularly those driven by human activity today, such as fossil fuel combustion and deforestation. It serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the fragility of biodiversity, emphasizing the importance of conservation efforts and the need to address climate change to prevent a similar crisis in the future.

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