The Jurassic period is a geological period from about 140 million to 201 million years ago. Along with climate changes and dramatic changes in earth dynamics, volcanic eruptions during this period caused far-reaching consequences to the earth. Influence? This article will explore the Jurassic volcanic eruptions and their connection to climate change and species extinction.
Just entering the Jurassic period, the earth experienced the Triassic-Jurassic extinction event. According to research, this event is directly linked to volcanic activity in the Mid-Atlantic Volcanic Province (CAMP).
Data shows that volcanic activity has caused a sudden increase in carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere, causing global temperatures to rise and creating a harsh living environment.
The climate throughout the Jurassic was generally warm, with global temperatures 5 to 10 degrees Celsius higher than modern times. The continents surrounded the oceans and faced constant sea level rise and fall.
Due to the high-carbon pawn period, there were no ice caps on the continent, and forests near the poles were still lush. This environment was suitable for the growth of various organisms, especially the reproduction of dinosaurs.
As the Jurassic Period progressed, the evolution of life on earth also changed. Dinosaurs became the only overlords on the ground, and huge species diversity appeared in terrestrial animals, including early birds and mammals.
The precursors of many modern species also appeared at this time, which laid the foundation for future biological evolution.
The geological activities of the Jurassic not only affected the evolution of living things, but also reshaped the geographical structure of the earth. The supercontinent Pangea began to split, further forming Laurasia in the north and Gondwana in the south. This geological change also contributed to the expansion of oceans and the isolation of species.
Frequent volcanic activity has led to ecological collapse in many places around the world. Large amounts of volcanic ash and gas entered the atmosphere, causing a short-term cooling effect that interacted with subsequent global warming, leading to the rapid extinction of many species.
Through these volcanic activities, after the environment on the earth's surface changed, many species that had adapted to the past environment could no longer survive, eventually triggering an ecological catastrophe.
Many scientists believe that the volcanic activity of the Jurassic had an immeasurable impact on the earth's biodiversity and ecosystems. This is not only a change in geographical structure, but also a turning point in biological evolution. The intensity and scale of volcanic eruptions and the environmental changes they bring are undoubtedly important keys to understanding the history of the earth and the evolution of life.
As humans face climate change and environmental change today, can we learn important lessons from this distant history to avoid repeating the same mistakes?