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NEW DELHI: In a recent study published in Nature Geoscience, researchers led by the University of Bristol have used supercomputer climate models to predict a future supercontinent, named Pangea Ultima (or Pangea Proxima), forming 250 million years from now
According to a report in Phys org, the continent will bring extreme temperatures, rendering it uninhabitable for mammals. This study has the potential to aid in understanding how Earth’s climate might change in the distant future due to natural processes, distinct from contemporary climate change concerns.
The study points to two primary factors contributing to the dramatic increase in Earth’s temperatures 250 million years from now. First, heightened volcanism resulting from tectonic activity merging all continents together is expected. Volcanoes typically act as temperature regulators by releasing carbon dioxide, naturally warming the planet.
However, an excess of volcanism can lead to an overabundance of carbon dioxide, causing significant temperature spikes. Second, as our sun ages, it will emit more energy and heat. This sun’s growth adds to the rise in temperatures, Phys org reported.
Dr. Alexander Farnsworth, a senior research associate at the University of Bristol and lead author of the study, explains, “The newly emerged supercontinent would effectively create a triple whammy, comprising the continentality effect, hotter sun, and more CO2 in the atmosphere, of increasing heat for much of the planet.”
According to the report, The outcome is a hostile environment devoid of food and water sources for mammals. This includes widespread temperatures ranging between 40 to 50 degrees Celsius, making it impossible for humans and many other species to survive.
The research relied on computer climate models to simulate the environmental conditions of Pangea Ultima, encompassing factors such as humidity, rainfall, wind patterns, and temperatures. Furthermore, the study considered initial and concluding CO2 levels based on biological processes, ocean chemistry, and tectonic activity.
One notable aspect highlighted is that, despite concerns about contemporary human-induced climate change, the Earth is expected to remain habitable until the emergence of Pangea Ultima. Mammals, including humans, have persevered on Earth for millennia due to their capacity to adapt to varying climate conditions. However, they cannot enhance their survivability in extreme heat, as evolution has already adapted them to endure cold temperatures, Phys org reported.
Dr. Farnsworth paints a grim picture of the distant future, stating, “The outlook in the distant future appears very bleak. Carbon dioxide levels could be double current levels. With the sun also anticipated to emit about 2.5% more radiation and the supercontinent being located primarily in the hot, humid tropics, much of the planet could be facing temperatures of between 40°C to 70°C.”
According to a report in Phys org, the continent will bring extreme temperatures, rendering it uninhabitable for mammals. This study has the potential to aid in understanding how Earth’s climate might change in the distant future due to natural processes, distinct from contemporary climate change concerns.
The study points to two primary factors contributing to the dramatic increase in Earth’s temperatures 250 million years from now. First, heightened volcanism resulting from tectonic activity merging all continents together is expected. Volcanoes typically act as temperature regulators by releasing carbon dioxide, naturally warming the planet.
However, an excess of volcanism can lead to an overabundance of carbon dioxide, causing significant temperature spikes. Second, as our sun ages, it will emit more energy and heat. This sun’s growth adds to the rise in temperatures, Phys org reported.
Dr. Alexander Farnsworth, a senior research associate at the University of Bristol and lead author of the study, explains, “The newly emerged supercontinent would effectively create a triple whammy, comprising the continentality effect, hotter sun, and more CO2 in the atmosphere, of increasing heat for much of the planet.”
According to the report, The outcome is a hostile environment devoid of food and water sources for mammals. This includes widespread temperatures ranging between 40 to 50 degrees Celsius, making it impossible for humans and many other species to survive.
The research relied on computer climate models to simulate the environmental conditions of Pangea Ultima, encompassing factors such as humidity, rainfall, wind patterns, and temperatures. Furthermore, the study considered initial and concluding CO2 levels based on biological processes, ocean chemistry, and tectonic activity.
One notable aspect highlighted is that, despite concerns about contemporary human-induced climate change, the Earth is expected to remain habitable until the emergence of Pangea Ultima. Mammals, including humans, have persevered on Earth for millennia due to their capacity to adapt to varying climate conditions. However, they cannot enhance their survivability in extreme heat, as evolution has already adapted them to endure cold temperatures, Phys org reported.
Dr. Farnsworth paints a grim picture of the distant future, stating, “The outlook in the distant future appears very bleak. Carbon dioxide levels could be double current levels. With the sun also anticipated to emit about 2.5% more radiation and the supercontinent being located primarily in the hot, humid tropics, much of the planet could be facing temperatures of between 40°C to 70°C.”
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