Title: Formation of Supercontinent Pangea Ultima Could Herald Potential Extinction Event, Study Shows
In a startling new study, researchers have indicated that the formation of a supercontinent, known as Pangea Ultima, approximately 250 million years from now, could trigger a mass extinction event, potentially wiping out humans and other mammals. The study, conducted using a UK Met Office climate model and a University of Bristol supercomputer, simulated the extreme climate conditions that would result from the convergence of Earth’s landmasses.
According to the findings, the amalgamation of the continents would lead to a series of catastrophic consequences. Increased volcanic activity, higher carbon dioxide levels, an older and more radiant sun, and vast inland deserts in the tropics would all contribute to this apocalyptic scenario. As a result, the predicted climate extremes include higher humidity along coasts and extremely arid conditions in inland deserts, with global temperatures potentially soaring 15 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, and even reaching up to 30 degrees Celsius on land.
The similarities between these projected climate conditions and those experienced during the Permian-Triassic era 260 million years ago are particularly concerning. During that time, a comparable rise in temperatures led to the eradication of over 90% of species. The inability of mammals, including humans, to adapt swiftly to such extreme heat puts them at significant risk.
Not only would the scorching temperatures pose a threat, but the collapse of vegetation due to the heat would severely impact the food supply. Most plant species cannot withstand temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, suggesting a dire scenario for the survival of both wildlife and humanity.
Dr. John Smith, the lead author of the study, underscores the importance of recognizing the limits of human adaptability to extreme climates. He emphasizes that pushing the climate beyond what we have evolved to tolerate may lead to catastrophic consequences for our species.
Although the study’s predictions are inherently uncertain due to the long-term timeframe, they offer valuable insights into past mass extinctions and the habitability of other planets. It highlights the need to consider tectonic factors, such as supercontinent formation, when assessing the climate of other celestial bodies, alongside factors like distance from a sun and the presence of water.
The study has sparked a debate within the scientific community, with some experts suggesting that the presence of multiple continents scattered around, as in Earth’s current state, may be preferable. This configuration promotes biodiversity and protects against single catastrophic events that could have a devastating impact on life as we know it.
While these findings may seem far-fetched and distant, they serve as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance our planet maintains. It calls for greater vigilance and responsibility in safeguarding our environment to ensure a sustainable future for all species, including our own.
