A new study co-led by the University of Arizona and the Smithsonian provides the most detailed record of Earth's surface temperature changes over the past 485 million years. Published in Science, the research reveals greater temperature fluctuations than previously thought during the Phanerozoic Eon, a period marked by significant biological diversification and mass extinctions. The study highlights a strong correlation between global temperatures and atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. By using data assimilation, the researchers combined geological records and climate models to create a detailed temperature curve, showing that Earth's temperatures ranged between 52 to 97°F over the eon. Periods of extreme heat were often linked to elevated CO2 levels. Currently, Earth's average temperature is 59°F, cooler than much of the Phanerozoic. However, human-induced climate change is rapidly pushing temperatures upward at an unprecedented rate, posing risks to ecosystems and species worldwide. The study emphas izes the role of carbon dioxide as the dominant driver of global temperature over geological time. "CO2 and temperature are closely linked over 485 million years, regardless of whether the climate was hot or cold," said Jessica Tierney, a co-author. The research team included scientists from the Smithsonian, the University of Bristol and UC Davis. Source: Oman News Agency
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