Alaskan Rock Study Shows Oceans Lost Oxygen 8 Million Years Before End-Triassic Mass Extinction
By
Stephanie Edwards
Master baker tier. Every paragraph earns its place on the tray.
Summary
New research published in Nature Communications Earth & Environment reveals that Earth's oceans began losing oxygen nearly 8 million years before the end-Triassic mass extinction, which occurred around 201 million years ago and eliminated about 60% of species. While massive volcanic eruptions were already known to have triggered the extinction, this study of Alaskan rocks indicates marine ecosystems were under stress for millions of years prior, potentially reshaping understanding of how this catastrophic event unfolded.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledOne of Earth's most catastrophic extinction events may have begun much earlier than scientists realized.
Oceans started losing oxygen nearly 8 million years before the end-Triassic mass extinction, a global crisis that eliminated roughly 60 percent of species and permanently reshaped life on Earth.
The new study indicates that marine ecosystems may have been under stress for millions of years.
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