Ancient Land-Sea Dynamics Triggered Marine Mass Extinctions
New research reveals how the breakup of Gondwana and volcanic activity led to oceanic anoxic events, reshaping Earth's evolutionary history.
- The breakup of the supercontinent Gondwana caused significant volcanic activity and chemical weathering.
- Phosphorus released from volcanic rocks acted as a natural fertilizer, boosting marine life growth.
- Increased organic matter led to oxygen-depleted 'dead zones,' causing mass marine extinctions.
- Oceanic anoxic events lasted one to two million years, profoundly impacting marine ecosystems.
- Understanding these ancient processes can inform the impact of modern human activities on marine environments.
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