Due to volcanic activity, most of the supercontinent will experience temperatures above 40°C. Most mammals cannot survive in these conditions.
In 250 million years, all the continents of the planet will unite, and at the same time, up to 92% of the Earth’s territory will be unsuitable for mammalian life. Nature reported this with reference to a study published in the scientific journal Nature Geoscience.
Scientists predict that in the next 250 million years, all the continents of the planet will unite into one – Pangea Ultima. This will lead to the activation of volcanoes and an increase in carbon dioxide levels.
Today the Earth is within cycles of supercontinents – the time interval between the unification of all land. The last supercontinent Pangaea broke up about 200 million years ago.
Scientists believe that the next Pangea Ultima will form at the equator within 250 million years. This will happen when the Atlantic Ocean shrinks and the united Afro-Eurasian continent collides with the Americas.
Scientists led by Alexander Farnsworth from the University of Bristol (UK) modeled the climate of the future supercontinent.
Volcanic activity is expected to “warm” the planet. Temperatures will exceed 40°C in most of the supercontinent.
The regions in the middle of Pangaea Ultima will be desert. Most mammals cannot survive in these conditions.
In the worst case scenario, only 8% of the land would be suitable for their life. Currently, this share is 66%.
“It’s not just for mammals. It could be for both plants and other species of life. What will come of it is anyone’s guess,” said Alexander Farnsworth.
He added that in other mass extinction events, there is a tendency for a new species to dominate.
It was previously reported that by 2100 the climate on 50% of the Earth could change significantly.
Remember that the melting of the Greenland ice sheet raised the level of the world’s oceans by 1.2 centimeters. This number has been achieved in the last 20 years.
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Source: korrespondent
I am Ben Stock, a passionate and experienced digital journalist working in the news industry. At the Buna Times, I write articles covering technology developments and related topics. I strive to provide reliable information that my readers can trust. My research skills are top-notch, as well as my ability to craft engaging stories on timely topics with clarity and accuracy.