February 18, 2025
Meteorite

New Insights into the Extinction of Dinosaurs: Beyond the Meteorite Impact

A recent study suggests that the demise of dinosaurs may have been more complex than previously believed. While a meteorite impact is often thought to be the sole cause of their extinction, this new research indicates that climate change triggered by massive volcanic eruptions played a significant role as well. The study, titled “Recurring volcanic winters during the latest Cretaceous: Sulfur and fluorine budgets of Deccan Traps lavas” and published in Science Advances, was co-authored by Don Baker, a professor in McGill University’s Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences.

The research team focused on the volcanic eruptions of the Deccan Traps, a vast and rugged plateau in Western India that was formed by molten lava. These eruptions resulted in an astonishing 1 million cubic kilometers of rock being released into the atmosphere, potentially leading to a global cooling effect around 65 million years ago.

To unravel the mysteries of the Deccan Traps eruptions, the scientists embarked on a multidisciplinary approach. They collected rock samples from the Deccan Traps, conducted extensive analyses in laboratories in England and Sweden, and estimated the amounts of sulfur and fluorine that were injected into the atmosphere by the volcanic eruptions in the 200,000 years leading up to the dinosaur extinction.

Surprisingly, their findings revealed that the release of sulfur could have caused a significant drop in global temperatures worldwide, resulting in what is known as a volcanic winter. These recurring volcanic winters, lasting possibly for decades, would have created an unstable climate that made survival challenging for both plants and animals, ultimately leading to the extinction of dinosaurs.

“We have demonstrated through our research that climatic conditions during that time were highly unstable, with repeated volcanic winters that could have lasted for decades, prior to the extinction of the dinosaurs,” said Prof. Don Baker. “This instability would have made life difficult for all plants and animals and set the stage for the dinosaur extinction event. Thus, our work helps explain this significant extinction event that led to the rise of mammals and the evolution of our species.”

Unraveling the secrets hidden within ancient rock samples was no easy task. However, the research team developed a novel technique at McGill University that allowed them to decode the volcanic history. Similar to cooking pasta, where some salt from the water is absorbed by the pasta itself, certain elements become trapped in minerals as volcanic rocks cool. By analyzing the concentration of sulfur and fluorine in the rock samples, the scientists were able to estimate the amount of these gases that were released during the volcanic eruptions.

The study involved researchers from various countries, including Italy, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada. Their findings not only shed new light on the extinction of dinosaurs but also provide valuable insights into the Earth’s ancient climate. Understanding past climate change events can help us better comprehend and address the challenges we face with our changing climate today.

*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it

Money Singh
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Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemicals and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc. 

Money Singh

Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemicals and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc. 

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