International Team Led by Slovak Scientist Sheds Light on Ancient Climate Enigma
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Loading... - Fiona Cullen
- 17 Feb 2025
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An international research team, spearheaded by Slovak scientist Hana Jurikova from the University of St Andrews in Scotland, has made significant strides in understanding the climatic conditions of the Late Palaeozoic Ice Age, which began around 370 million years ago. This period, characterized by extensive glaciation, lasted for approximately 100 million years and has long posed questions regarding the role of carbon dioxide (CO2) in climate transitions.
While the influence of CO2 on current climate change is well-documented, its impact on historical climate shifts, particularly during the Late Palaeozoic Ice Age, remains less understood. The evidence for this ice age is primarily found in glacial strata, which are notoriously difficult to date and often present an incomplete and fragmented record. This has complicated efforts to reconstruct past CO2 levels and understand their relationship with climate changes.
Jurikova and her team have developed a novel approach to investigate the role of CO2 during this ancient ice age. Their research marks the first time that the influence of CO2 on the climatic conditions of the Late Palaeozoic has been systematically examined, providing new insights into this enigmatic period.
During the Late Palaeozoic Ice Age, the Earth was undergoing significant geological transformations. The collision of the southern supercontinent Gondwana with the northern landmass Laurasia eventually led to the formation of the supercontinent Pangea around 335 million years ago. This tectonic activity resulted in the Variscan orogeny, a major mountain-building event whose remnants can still be observed today, such as in the Pyrenees.
Jurikova explains that while the world during this ice age may have appeared vastly different from today, its climatic conditions were not as drastically dissimilar as previously thought. High and mid-latitude regions were largely covered by ice, significantly reducing habitable areas to the tropics. In these humid tropical zones, lush "coal rainforests" flourished, populated by tall tree-ferns and other vegetation. These ancient forests would later contribute to the formation of much of the Earth's coal reserves.
The findings from Jurikova's team not only enhance our understanding of the Late Palaeozoic Ice Age but also provide valuable context for current climate discussions. By uncovering the historical role of CO2 in climate transitions, the research offers insights into how similar processes may be influencing today's climate dynamics.
As the team continues to refine their methods and gather more data, their work promises to shed further light on the complex interplay between atmospheric CO2 levels and global climate patterns throughout Earth's history.
Hana Jurikova's leadership in this international research effort highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing complex scientific questions. By unraveling the mysteries of the Late Palaeozoic Ice Age, the team not only contributes to our understanding of ancient climates but also informs contemporary discussions on climate change and its implications for the future.
