Around 720-640 million years ago, much of the Earth’s surface was covered in ice during a glaciation that lasted millions of years. Explosive underwater volcanoes were a major feature of this ‘Snowball Earth’, according to new research led by the University.
Many aspects of this extreme glaciation remain uncertain, but it is widely thought that the breakup of the supercontinent – Rodinia – resulted in increased river discharge into the ocean. This changed ocean chemistry and reduced atmospheric CO2 levels, which increased global ice coverage and propelled Earth into severe icehouse conditions.
The Southampton-led research, published in Nature Geoscience, found that extensive underwater volcanic activity when Rodinia broke up explains the major changes in ocean chemistry during ‘Snowball Earth’.
Lead author of the study Dr Tom Gernon, Lecturer in Earth Science at the University, said:
“When volcanic material is deposited in the oceans it undergoes very rapid and profound chemical alteration that impacts the biogeochemistry of the oceans. We find that many geological and geochemical phenomena associated with Snowball Earth are consistent with extensive submarine volcanism along shallow mid-ocean ridges.”
You can find more information about this piece of research on the University website.