(ORDO News) — In a groundbreaking study recently published in the journal Nature Geoscience, scientists hailing from the University of Bristol have delivered an alarming prediction regarding a mass extinction event that could decimate nearly all mammals over a span of 250 million years. This catastrophic event is forecasted to be triggered by extreme heat stemming from the formation of a supercontinent.
Using supercomputer climate models to simulate the forthcoming climate conditions following the amalgamation of all Earth‘s continents into one vast landmass, researchers have unearthed an unsettling outcome. The amalgamation of continents is expected to generate a scorching, parched, and uninhabitable setting wherein extreme climatic events will reach unparalleled magnitudes.
Several factors underlie the extreme temperatures on this forthcoming supercontinent. Foremost, a brighter Sun is anticipated, radiating greater energy and consequently causing a substantial surge in global temperatures.
Moreover, tectonic processes associated with supercontinent formation will result in frequent volcanic eruptions, thereby liberating copious amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, thereby amplifying the warming impact.
Throughout history, mammals, including humans, have displayed resilience by adapting to severe weather conditions. However, their capacity to endure extreme heat has remained relatively unchanging. The models employed in this study suggest that prolonged exposure to extreme heat can become overwhelming for mammals, ultimately culminating in their demise.
Dr. Alexander Farnsworth, the principal author of the study, elucidated: “The emergence of a newly formed supercontinent would spell a triple catastrophe across substantial portions of our planet. The continentality effect, coupled with an intensified solar radiation and heightened CO2 concentrations, would yield a hostile environment, bereft of sustenance and water sources for mammals.”
“With temperatures soaring to 40-50 degrees Celsius and extreme humidity, both humans and numerous other species will find themselves incapable of dissipating heat through perspiration, inevitably leading to their premature demise.”
Despite the persistence of anthropogenic climate change as a menacing threat that exacerbates heat stress in particular regions, the researchers contend that the Earth should remain habitable until the eventual formation of the supercontinent in the far-off future. Nonetheless, following this occurrence, only a meager 8 to 16% of the land will be suitable for mammals.
The implications of this study are profound, underscoring the necessity of factoring in the Earth’s surface characteristics when gauging the habitability of exoplanets. Dr. Farnsworth remarked, “Gaining insight into how extreme heat impacts mammals is not only pivotal for comprehending Earth’s future, but it also holds significance for evaluating the potential habitability of other celestial bodies.”
This study serves as an imperative wake-up call, urging humanity to combat climate change actively and endeavor to alleviate its repercussions. The future survival of mammals, including our own species, hinges upon our capacity to confront escalating temperatures and the extensive consequences they entail.
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News agencies contributed to this report, edited and published by ORDO News editors.
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