Scientists have discovered that Earth's rocks quietly leaked greenhouse gases for millions of years, potentially helping trigger ancient climate swings and mass extinctions
New research suggests buried rocks released gases for millions of years. Metamorphic rocks under heat and pressure emit carbon and sulfur compounds. Sulfur emissions caused temporary cooling, while carbon caused long-term warming. These combined effects led to severe climate instability and mass extinctions. This challenges the idea that volcanic eruptions were the sole geological factor.
New research suggests buried rocks released gases for millions of years. Metamorphic rocks under heat and pressure emit carbon and sulfur compounds. Sulfur emissions caused temporary cooling, while carbon caused long-term warming. These combined effects led to severe climate instability and mass extinctions. This challenges the idea that volcanic eruptions were the sole geological factor.
