Volcanic Eruptions Triggered Hydrogen Sulfide Buildup and Permian Mass Extinction
By
DrierCycle
Crusty in the right places. Worth the chew.
Summary
Research suggests that volcanic eruptions in Siberia 251 million years ago triggered a cascade of events that led to the Permian mass extinction. The volcanoes released carbon dioxide, causing atmospheric warming that reduced ocean oxygen levels. This created conditions for bacteria to produce toxic hydrogen sulfide, which spread through oceans and atmosphere, killing 95% of Earth's species. The hydrogen sulfide also damaged the ozone layer, allowing harmful UV radiation to reach Earth's surface.
Key quotes
· 4 pulledThe recent dating of the Siberian trap volcanoes to be contemporaneous with the end-Permian extinction suggests that they were the trigger for the environmental events that caused the extinctions.
Warmer water slows the conveyer belt and brings less oxygen to the deep oceans.
A hydrogen sulfide atmosphere fits the extinction better than one enriched in carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide would have a profound effect on marine life, but terrestrial plants thrive on carbon dioxide, yet they are included in the extinction.
These deformities fit the idea that the ozone layer was damaged, letting in more ultra violet.
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