Volcanic activity contributed to the extinction of the dinosaurs, scientists – Pulzo

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October 2, 2015 7:35 a.m.

EFE |

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reveals that it was the combination of an asteroid collision and volcanic activity generated by this, what ended

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So far scientists almost unanimously held that the cause of the disappearance of the dinosaurs was only the impact of a large asteroid on Earth 66 million years ago. The new finding puts a share of responsibility equal to the volcanic activity.

The new measurements of volcanic activity in that period, the Cretaceous, which may be the most accurate to date indicate a very strong increase in the rate of eruption of volcanoes Deccan Plateau (India), where the study was performed during the 50,000 years after the impact.

After the meteorite, volcanic eruptions occurred less frequently but when it took place did a more virulent and expelling much more lava before.

According to the study, about 70 percent of the total volume of magma accumulated in the Deccan Plateau was expelled in massive eruptions.

Under the direction of Paul Renne, a professor at the University of Berkeley (California) and director of its Geochronology Center, the research finds that these new measurements show that the lava flows Deccan great volcanic chain operating at a slower pace before impact.

The combination meteorite impact and volcanic activity increased poisoned the air and ecosystems, filling the planet from harmful substances caused the disappearance of many species.

“Based on our dates of volcanic activity, can be fairly sure that the two events (the meteorite and rashes) caused the mass extinction,” said Renne occasion of the publication of the study.

“It’s almost impossible to attribute he added atmospheric effects either. The two happened at the same time “

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