Eocene Thermal Maximum - run-away Global Warming
During the Eocene period, the planet heated up in one of the most rapid and extreme global events recorded in geological history. Known as the Thermal Maximum, sea surface temperatures rose almost 8°C in just a few thousand years.
The Thermal Maximum event
carbon-info.org
9) The worst worstcase
Scientists are not sure what will happen if we do not get global warming under control. We may end up suffering from either heat-stroke or frostbite - no-one really knows. The past however, does hold possible clues to the fate of the planet.
Scientists are unsure about why, but the release of methane from the oceans into the ocean-atmosphere carbon reservoir upset the carbon cycle, and lead to rapid global warming.
The impact was severe, as 30-40% of ocean life was extinct, and the turnover of mammals increased significantly.
What happend?
The planet recovered in just over 100,000 years, but remained hot for a further 100,000 years before returning to a 'normal' state
How long did it take to recover?
