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The Mystery of the Western Interior Sea: How Did North America Split into Two Continents?
Throughout the long history of the Earth, the Western Inland Sea has become a hot spot for research by countless paleontologists and geologists due to its unique geological characteristics and ecological environment. This huge inland ocean, which created the Laramidia and Appalachia massifs, not only changed the topography of North America, but also provided a unique habitat for the biological evolution at the time. It existed for 30 million years, during the late Cretaceous period, and covers many natural changes.
The Western Interior Sea once stretched from the Gulf of Mexico to the Arctic Ocean, forming an important channel connecting the two oceans.
Origin and Geology
The formation of the Western Interior Sea is closely related to the geological changes of the American continent. As Eurasia and the Americas separated in the South Atlantic, land subsidence and volcanic activity shaped the contours of this sea. The early stages of the oceans began in the middle of the Cretaceous period, when a small portion of the Arctic Ocean expanded southward to form the Mowry Sea, laying the foundation for further expansion of the oceans.
Over time, the merging of the Gulf of Mexico and the Mowry Sea allowed this inland sea to form a stable body of water. This ocean can reach a maximum depth of 760 meters, a width of 970 kilometers, and a length of more than 3,200 kilometers, making it a large-scale ecosystem at the time. Although this ocean is relatively shallow, it is home to a variety of creatures.
Under the changes in ocean tides, the ecological environment of this ocean has undergone many changes and evolutions.
Diverse biota
The ecosystem of the Western Interior Sea is teeming with diverse life. Its inhabitants included many amazing marine reptiles, such as plesiosaurs and giant lizards. The food chains in this area vividly demonstrate how ancient organisms competed and coexisted in a rich environment.
Ancient fish lived in this sea, including the largest fish of the time, Xiphactinus, which was 4 to 5 meters long.
Meanwhile, there were early birds like Hesperornis that had strong legs adapted for swimming in water, as well as small wings that allowed them to navigate the water more efficiently. Over time, changes in the environment of this inland sea have led to the emergence of new species and greater diversity in the ecosystem.
Changes in the marine environment
As the Cretaceous progressed, the Western Interior Sea underwent many changes in structure, due in part to changes in climate and rise and fall in sea level. These changes lead to the evolutionary isolation of certain organisms, however, when the environments are connected again, new species can re-emerge.
Changes in oxygen levels in the ocean allow some life forms to flourish while limiting others.
Enlightenment for the future
The formation and disappearance of the Western Interior Sea not only had a profound impact on the geographical evolution of North America, but also posed challenges to biodiversity and ecological evolution. The existence of this ancient ocean not only demonstrates the infinite potential of natural forces, but also makes us think deeply about how today's environmental changes will affect future biological evolution.
So, is there anything we can learn from this ancient history to better understand ecological changes on Earth today?
