Ancient volcanoes emitted less CO2 than estimated
A new scientific study alters what we knew about the primitive climate of the Earth. The research indicates that volcanoes from hundreds of millions of years ago expelled a much lower amount of carbon dioxide than the figures used by previous models. This forces us to review how we understand the warm and cold periods of the planet in remote eras 🌋.
An innovative technique to measure trapped gases
To reach this conclusion, the scientists examined igneous rocks 500 million years old. Within them, they found tiny magma bubbles that were preserved when the lava solidified. These time capsules contain direct samples of volcanic gases. By analyzing the proportion of different carbon isotopes in these bubbles, the team was able to calculate more accurately the volume of CO2 released by the eruptions. This method is more direct and reliable than the indirect approximations that were used.
Key details of the analysis:- Magma bubbles preserved in ancient rocks were studied.
- The technique is based on measuring carbon isotopes to quantify emissions.
- It provides more concrete data than previous theoretical models.
The planet already had its own natural system to control emissions, long before human regulations existed.
Consequences for understanding past climate
This discovery has profound implications. If volcanoes contributed less CO2 to the atmosphere, it means that other mechanisms were the main ones responsible for regulating global temperature. Processes like rock weathering, which absorbs carbon dioxide, must have been more active and effective than supposed. This helps resolve a climate paradox: it explains why the Earth did not overheat in certain eras, even though the young Sun emitted less heat.
Factors gaining relevance:- Silicate weathering and other CO2 absorption processes.
- The need to recalibrate models that simulate ancient climate.
- The search for other greenhouse gases or climate forcings.
Reviewing the thermal history of our planet
In short, this finding underscores the complexity of the systems that govern Earth's climate. Historical warming or cooling cannot be attributed to a single factor, such as massive volcanic emissions. The primitive Earth had a dynamic balance where various geochemical processes interacted to maintain habitable conditions. Understanding this past balance is crucial for refining our models and better predicting the future climate 🔬.