New data on the possible causes of death of dinosaurs is contained in a study published in the journal Nature. According to the most common version, death vertebrates, which dominated the Earth during the Mesozoic era, were facilitated by the explosion from the impact of the Chicxulub asteroid and the subsequent cooling, which destroyed the habitats of dinosaurs. The explosion of the asteroid released a huge amount of dust and soot into the atmosphere, blocking its heating by the sun’s rays for many years. One of the main components of this killer “cloud” was previously considered to be particles of sulfur, but the results of a new study show that it would only be enough for a few years of an asteroid winter – then warming would begin, and dinosaurs could survive.
According to the researchers’ conclusions, silicate rocks contributed to the formation of a long-term dense “blanket” that covered the Earth from the Sun. The hypothesis was confirmed by the discovery in North Dakota of a high concentration of silicon dioxide microparticles in sediment layers dating back to the Chicxulub events. Due to its small size, this suspension could remain in the atmosphere for many years, while sulfur particles, which initially also had a detrimental effect on the climate, settled much faster.
In general, silicon dioxide was able to reduce global temperatures by up to 15°C for many years, and in the first two years, due to its high concentration, it could help stop the process of photosynthesis throughout the planet.
Source: Rosbalt
Mario Twitchell is an accomplished author and journalist, known for his insightful and thought-provoking writing on a wide range of topics including general and opinion. He currently works as a writer at 247 news agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
