Ancient oceans began suffocating millions of years before Triassic mass extinction, geologists discover
One of the most devastating extinctions in Earth's history is best known for what didn't die—dinosaurs. But the end-Triassic extinction 201 million years ago wiped out roughly 60% of Earth's species,…
One of the most devastating extinctions in Earth's history is best known for what didn't die—dinosaurs. But the end-Triassic extinction 201 million ye
Read Full Story at Phys.org →Why This Matters
The discovery that ancient oceans began suffocating millions of years before the Triassic mass extinction challenges long-held assumptions about the timeline and triggers of Earth's worst die-offs. It underscores how slow, systemic changes in marine chemistry—rather than sudden catastrophes—can destabilize ecosystems over geological timescales, offering a sobering parallel to modern climate disruptions.
Background Context
The end-Triassic extinction, often overshadowed by the dinosaur-killing Cretaceous event, unfolded during a period of intense volcanic activity in the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province. While scientists previously linked the extinction to rapid carbon dioxide spikes and ocean acidification, this research suggests the damage was already underway long before most species collapsed.
What Happens Next
Geologists will likely refine models of ocean deoxygenation to pinpoint when irreversible tipping points were reached, which could inform predictions about today’s marine crises. The findings may also prompt a reexamination of sedimentary records from other mass extinctions, potentially revising our understanding of Earth’s vulnerability to prolonged environmental stress.
Bigger Picture
This study fits a growing pattern of evidence that slow-burning crises—like creeping ocean dead zones—can be just as destructive as abrupt disasters. It reinforces the idea that Earth’s biosphere operates on feedback loops where small changes accumulate over millennia before triggering collapse, a dynamic increasingly relevant in an era of human-driven environmental change.
