COSEE Ocean Systems: News
Explosive volcanism drove major changes in 'Snowball Earth' ocean chemistry
Description: Around 720-640 million years ago, much of the Earth's surface was covered in ice during a glaciation that lasted millions of years. Explosive underwater volcanoes were a major feature of this 'Snowball Earth', according to new research. Many aspects of this extreme glaciation remain uncertain, but it is widely thought that the breakup of the supercontinent Rodinia resulted in increased river discharge into the ocean. This changed ocean chemistry and reduced atmospheric CO2 levels, which increased global ice coverage and propelled Earth into severe icehouse conditions. [Source: University of Southampton]
URL: http://www.southampton.ac.uk/news/2016/01/snowball-earth-study.page
Availability: Full Text
Source: University of Southampton
Publish Date: 1/18/2016
Reading Level: Basic
Page Length:  

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