An international team of researchers has determined that a combination of a meteorite impact and global volcanic activity triggered abrupt climate change, leading to the destruction of most existing ecosystems, infohub.kz reports.
The findings, focused on the causes of one of the largest mass extinctions in Earth's history, were published following analysis of geological deposits and fossil remains. Scientists were able to reconstruct the chronology of events that led to catastrophic climate shifts and the disappearance of a vast number of flora and fauna species.
According to the data obtained, the key factor in the cataclysm was the combination of several large-scale natural processes. The impact of a large asteroid coincided in time with a period of gigantic volcanic eruptions. As a result, enormous volumes of ash, carbon dioxide, and sulfur compounds were released into the atmosphere, blocking sunlight and causing a sharp drop in surface temperatures on the planet.
The prolonged absence of sunlight disrupted photosynthesis, leading to the collapse of food chains both on land and in the oceans. The initial cooling was followed, after some time, by a prolonged period of greenhouse effect caused by high concentrations of gases in the atmosphere. Changes in ocean acidity and the destruction of habitual habitats made survival impossible for most large organisms.
The researchers emphasize that studying ancient climate crises allows for a better understanding of the resilience mechanisms of modern ecosystems. The data demonstrate how vulnerable the biosphere is to abrupt environmental changes. The results provide scientists with new tools for assessing long-term ecological risks and understanding evolutionary processes.