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OU study finds that volcanic eruptions millions of years ago kept climate cool

Volcanic eruptions

OU researchers have found information about volcanic eruptions.

 via OU press release

A recent study at OU found that volcanic eruptions were three to eight times more likely in the Late Paleozoic Ice Age, which produced aerosols that kept the large ice sheets stable.

Although the CO2 levels increase during the volcanic eruptions, the aerosols produced blocked the sunlight and slowed the melting process of the ice sheets, according to a press release from Jana Smith, the director of strategic communications for R&D.

However, the increased volcanic emissions during this era may have had a prolonged effect on the environment due to additional CO2 removal from the atmosphere. The study helps scientists understand increased levels of CO2 today, said Gerilyn S. Soreghan, professor and director of the School of Geology and Geophysics, Mewbourne College of Earth and Energy in the press release.

“The lessons from this period shed light on a spectrum of outcomes as we move forward on Earth with increasing levels of CO2," Soreghan said. "Stratospheric aerosol geoengineering increasingly is discussed as a way to mitigate climate change today, but the intended outcomes may lead to unintended consequences."

Fluctuations between icehouse and greenhouse states correlated with the CO2 level and the presence or absence of ice sheets, according to the press release.

The frequent volcanic eruptions in this era increased the reflection of sunlight and atmospheric acidity which enhanced the reactivity of iron in the volcanic ash and glacial mineral dust, which strengthened the climate impact of volcanism. The iron fertilization also contributed to stimulation of phytoplankton growth in the oceans, which helped sustain the ice sheet conditions, according to the press release.

This study explored the hypothesis that the lengthened extent of the Late Paleozoic Ice Age was driven by unusually active volcanic eruptions during the tectonic assembly of Pangea found in data compiled over 200 to 400 million years ago, according to the press release.

Overall, active volcano eruptions that occurred approximately 290-310 million years ago kept the climate cool and supported CO2 uptake in the ocean, according to the press release.

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