Dinosaurs’ ascent driven by volcanoes powering climate change

Ecological changes following intense volcanic activity 230 million years ago paved the way for dinosaur dominance - The rise of dinosaurs coincided with environmental changes driven by major volcanic eruptions over 230 million years ago, a new study reveals. The Late Triassic Carnian Pluvial Episode (CPE) saw an increase in global temperature and humidity - creating a major impact on the development of animal and plant life, coinciding with the establishment of modern conifers. Researchers analysed sediment and fossil plant records from a lake in northern China's Jiyuan Basin, matching pulses of volcanic activity with significant environmental changes, including the CPE's 'mega monsoon' climate, some 234 million to 232 million years ago. The international research team, including experts at the University of Birmingham, today published their findings in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) - revealing four distinct episodes of volcanic activity during this time period, with the most likely source being major volcanic eruptions from the Wrangellia Large Igneous Province, the remnants of which are preserved in western North America. Co-author Jason Hilton , Professor of Palaeobotany and Palaeoenvironments at the University of Birmingham's School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, commented: "Within the space of two million years the world's animal and plant life underwent major changes including selective extinctions in the marine realm and diversification of plant and animal groups on land.