What's Happening?
A recent study led by researchers at the University of Southampton has uncovered a significant link between ocean chemistry changes and the Earth's cooling trend following the extinction of the dinosaurs.
The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, highlights a dramatic decrease in ocean calcium levels over the Cenozoic Era, which began approximately 66 million years ago. This reduction in calcium altered how marine organisms, such as plankton and corals, absorbed and stored carbon, leading to a decrease in atmospheric carbon dioxide and a subsequent cooling of the planet. The research team used fossilized shells of foraminifera to track these changes, revealing a potential temperature decline of up to 15-20°C over millions of years.
Why It's Important?
The findings of this study provide crucial insights into the long-term mechanisms that have influenced Earth's climate. By identifying the role of ocean chemistry in regulating atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, the research underscores the importance of marine life and oceanic processes in climate regulation. This understanding could inform current climate models and strategies aimed at mitigating climate change. The study also suggests that changes in Earth's geological processes, such as seafloor spreading, have played a significant role in shaping the planet's climate history, offering a new perspective on how internal Earth dynamics can impact global temperatures.
