The rise of dinosaurs coincided with environmental changes driven by major volcanic eruptions over 230 million years ago, a new study reveals.
The Late Triassic Carnian Pluvial Episode (CPE) saw an increase in global temperature and humidity—creating a major impact on the development of animal and plant life, coinciding with the establishment of modern conifers.
Researchers analyzed sediment and fossil plant records from a lake in northern China’s Jiyuan Basin, matching pulses of volcanic activity with significant environmental changes, including the CPE’s ‘mega monsoon’ climate, some 234 million to 232 million years ago.
Dinosaurs' ascent driven by volcanoes powering climate change
The Late Triassic Carnian Pluvial Episode (CPE) saw an increase in global temperature and humidity—creating a major impact on the development of animal and plant life, coinciding with the establishment of modern conifers.
Researchers analyzed sediment and fossil plant records from a lake in northern China’s Jiyuan Basin, matching pulses of volcanic activity with significant environmental changes, including the CPE’s ‘mega monsoon’ climate, some 234 million to 232 million years ago.
Dinosaurs' ascent driven by volcanoes powering climate change