Abstract
Prehistoric Eurasia contained the largest mega-lake on Earth, formed after the isolation of a fragmented region of dying seas known as Paratethys. In this realm, tectonics, sea-level fluctuations, and climate change led to ecological crises: brine seas, extinctions, great drying events and mega-floods. How these cataclysmic events were connected remained a mystery.
This study shows that central to these catastrophes are the sea-straits. We document how small changes in climate or in sea-level can change the behavior of the straits and then lead to environmental change and even extinction events.
Also, we postulate that a large number of previously unexplained anomalies, stretching for thousands of km are marks of a large mega-flood that occurred when the Eurasian mega-lake spilled large amounts of water into the Mediterranean Sea and we clarify the mechanism that triggered a second mega-flood that would temporarily transform the Mediterranean sea into a brackish lake (Lago Mare).
We conclude that sea-straits are one of the most sensitive parts of our planet’s pluming, likely to disrupt the balance between seas and ocean and trigger environmental crises in the context of sea-level and climate change
This study shows that central to these catastrophes are the sea-straits. We document how small changes in climate or in sea-level can change the behavior of the straits and then lead to environmental change and even extinction events.
Also, we postulate that a large number of previously unexplained anomalies, stretching for thousands of km are marks of a large mega-flood that occurred when the Eurasian mega-lake spilled large amounts of water into the Mediterranean Sea and we clarify the mechanism that triggered a second mega-flood that would temporarily transform the Mediterranean sea into a brackish lake (Lago Mare).
We conclude that sea-straits are one of the most sensitive parts of our planet’s pluming, likely to disrupt the balance between seas and ocean and trigger environmental crises in the context of sea-level and climate change
| Original language | English |
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| Qualification | Doctor of Philosophy |
| Awarding Institution |
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| Supervisors/Advisors |
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| Award date | 8 Jun 2018 |
| Place of Publication | Utrecht |
| Publisher | |
| Print ISBNs | 978-90-6266-506-8 |
| Publication status | Published - 8 Jun 2018 |
Keywords
- Straits
- Extinctions
- sea-level
- climate
- Eurasia
- mega-laes
- mega-floods
- Models for Future