Global Warming Responsible for “The Great Dying”?

Researchers at the National Center for Atmospheric Research have ran a computer simulation that shows that rising levels of carbon dioxide 250 million years ago contributed to a 90 degree increase (over today’s temperatures) and was responsible for the largest mass extinction even in Earth’s history. Their computer simulation shows rising atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide interfered with the oceans` oxygen circulation, raising temperatures by nearly 90 degrees Fahrenheit above today`s temperatures. The researchers said the global warming extinguished an estimated 95 percent of all marine life and about 70 percent of all land species. The research appears in the September issue of Geology. More information at Science Daily as well. Press release is here.

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