Volcanoes Played Pivotal Role In Ancient Ice Age, Mass Extinction
Monday, October 26, 2009 - 13:35
in Earth & Climate
Researchers here have discovered the pivotal role that volcanoes played in a deadly ice age 450 million years ago. Perhaps ironically, these volcanoes first caused global warming -- by releasing massive amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. When they stopped erupting, Earth's climate was thrown off balance, and the ice age began.