the Siberian traps retain traces of the mass extinction.
the Burning of coal and organic matter in Siberia led to climate change and one of the largest extinctions on Earth 250 million years ago.
the First direct evidence of this was presented by an international group of researchers led by Professor Lindy Elkins of Canton from the Arizona state University. The results of their study published in the journal Geology.
the Permian extinction was one of the biggest disasters of the biosphere in Earth’s history, which resulted in extinction of 96% of all marine species and 73% of terrestrial vertebrate species. Studies show that at the peak of the extinction, the Earth experienced a strong global warming in which water temperatures in the Equatorial part of the ocean exceeded 40 degrees Celsius. It took millions of years for ecosystem restoration and species diversity.
Scientists call several possible causes of the Permian extinction, the most likely is the increased volcanic activity in Siberia. So far there is only indirect evidence for this hypothesis.
the Command Elkins of Canton studied volcanic rocks in the area of the Siberian traps, which were poured out upon the border of the Permian and Triassic periods, about 252 million years ago. For 6 years it was collected more than 450 kg of samples. They gave the team of 30 scientists from 8 different countries.
“Our study shows that the magma of the Siberian traps was invaded and captured organic material, says Elkins of Canton. — This gives us direct evidence that magma burned large quantities of coal and organic matter during the eruption”.
According to scientists, changes in the biosphere during the Permian extinction have Parallels with what is happening on the planet these days, including the burning of hydrocarbons, coal, acid rain from sulphur and ozone depletion.
Anna Lysenko
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