Not a Meteorite, but India’s Deccan Traps led to extinction of dinosaurs from Earth: Study

Dinosaur extinction

The extinction of dinosaurs, often attributed to an asteroid impact, is now facing a compelling alternative theory. Recent research suggests that India’s Deccan Traps, a colossal volcanic region in West India, played a pivotal role in the mass extinction event. This article delves into the evidence supporting this theory, exploring the environmental changes, the timing of volcanic activity, and the connection between sustained sulfur emissions and global climate disruption.

Dinosaur Extinction

For decades, the widely accepted belief has been that an asteroid impact led to the extinction of dinosaurs. However, a new perspective is emerging, challenging the dominance of the asteroid theory. The Deccan Traps, known for their vast volcanic activity, are gaining attention as a potential culprit in the demise of these ancient giants.

The Toxic Winds of Change

Before the asteroid impact approximately 66 million years ago, the Earth was experiencing significant changes. Toxic levels of sulfur and mercury were detected in the atmosphere, indicating that something more than an asteroid impact was at play. This sets the stage for a closer examination of the Deccan Traps and their impact on the planet’s climate.

New Evidence from International Research

An international team of researchers has conducted a meticulous analysis, adding weight to the theory that volcanic activity significantly contributed to climate disruptions. This research challenges the traditional narrative and urges a reevaluation of the factors leading to the extinction of dinosaurs.

Volcanic Activity’s Timing

While the timing of volcanic activity was initially dismissed as unrelated to the dinosaur extinction, recent studies have revisited this notion. The proximity of volcanic events to the mass extinction event is now considered significant, opening up new possibilities for understanding the Earth’s climatic conditions during that critical period.

University of Oslo’s Findings

Geoscientist Sara Callegaro and her colleagues from the University of Oslo present compelling evidence regarding volcanic sulfur degassing. Their research indicates that these emissions could have caused repeated short-lived global drops in temperature, challenging the conventional narrative surrounding the asteroid impact.

India’s Deccan Traps

Situated in West India, the Deccan Traps are one of the largest volcanic features on Earth. The research team developed innovative techniques to examine rocks from this region, revealing crucial insights into the role of sulfur concentrations in the Earth’s climate dynamics.

Sustained Sulfur Emissions

Models indicate that sustained sulfur emissions from the Deccan Traps had a substantial impact on the global climate. With a release of one million cubic kilometers of molten rock, the volcanic region played a crucial role in altering the Earth’s climate, setting the stage for the subsequent events.

Massive Release of Molten Rock

The colossal release of molten rock coincided with the cooling Cretaceous climate. The concentration of sulfur in the lava, from Thakurvadi to Bushe in the region, indicates a slow release into the atmosphere after volcanic eruptions. This gradual process contributed to a significant increase in global temperatures.

Basalt Composition and Cooling Molecule

Examining the basalt composition in the Deccan Traps reveals lower sulfur content, suggesting a gradual release of the cooling molecule into the atmosphere. This process, unfolding over 100,000 years, significantly impacted global temperatures, creating an unstable climatic environment.

Unstable Climatic Conditions

McGill University geochemist Don Baker underscores the instability of climatic conditions during this period. The research suggests repeated volcanic winters, lasting for decades, creating hardships for all forms of life on Earth. These unstable conditions set the stage for the eventual extinction of dinosaurs.

Setting the Stage for Dinosaur Extinction

The climatic instability caused by the Deccan Traps’ volcanic activity made life difficult for plants and animals. This environmental turmoil served as a precursor to the dinosaur extinction event, challenging the conventional narrative dominated by the asteroid impact theory.

Conclusion

In reconsidering the causes of the dinosaur extinction, the Deccan Traps emerged as a significant player in Earth’s history. This alternative theory, supported by recent research, encourages a more nuanced understanding of the complex factors contributing to the mass extinction event. While the asteroid impact remains a crucial part of the narrative, the role of volcanic activity cannot be overlooked.

FAQs

Is the asteroid impact theory completely dismissed?

No, the asteroid impact theory is still considered a significant factor in the dinosaur extinction. The article suggests a reconsideration rather than a complete dismissal.

How did the Deccan Traps contribute to climate disruption?

Sustained sulfur emissions from the Deccan Traps altered the global climate substantially, leading to repeated short-lived global drops in temperature.

Why were the climatic conditions unstable?

The volcanic winters caused by the Deccan Traps’ activity created decades-long periods of climatic instability, impacting plant and animal life.

What role did the University of Oslo play in the research?

The University of Oslo researchers, led by Sara Callegaro, provided crucial evidence on volcanic sulfur degassing, challenging existing theories.

How does this research change our understanding of dinosaur extinction?

The research prompts a reevaluation of the causes of dinosaur extinction, suggesting that volcanic activity, particularly from the Deccan Traps, played a more significant role than previously thought.