- #1
sage
- 110
- 0
what do you know about the permian extinction event. the creataceous extinction was probably caused due to an asteroid. but what about the larger permian extinction?all views welcome.
Originally posted by I, Brian
The collision theory is the favourite - but it's very interesting to note that there's also a mass volcanic event at that time, in Siberia, when the Cretaceous extinction of 65Myrs ago also coincided with the eruption of the Deccan Traps in India.
In fact, I'm sure I just read of an entirely new proposed asteroid collision about 125 millions years after the Permian.
The Permian Extinction Event, also known as the Great Dying, was a mass extinction event that occurred approximately 252 million years ago. It is considered to be the most severe extinction event in Earth's history, with an estimated 90% of all species being wiped out.
The exact cause of the Permian Extinction Event is still debated among scientists. Some theories suggest that it was caused by a massive asteroid impact or intense volcanic activity, while others propose that it was a combination of these events along with climate change and ocean acidification.
In the 1980s, scientists discovered a layer of sediment around the world containing high levels of iridium, a rare element found in meteorites. This layer, known as the "K-T boundary," is believed to be evidence of an asteroid impact. Additionally, scientists have found evidence of impact craters around the world that date back to the Permian period.
Scientists have found evidence of extensive volcanic activity during the Permian period, including large volcanic provinces known as the Siberian Traps. These eruptions released massive amounts of gases and ash into the atmosphere, leading to global climate change and ocean acidification. Fossils from this time period also show signs of environmental stress, which supports the volcanic activity theory.
The Permian Extinction Event had a significant impact on life on Earth. It is estimated that 96% of all marine species and 70% of land species went extinct. This event also led to major changes in the Earth's ecosystems, with new species evolving to fill the niches left by the extinct organisms. It took millions of years for biodiversity to recover from this mass extinction event.