The Climate of the Age of Dinosaurs: Average Temperatures and Environmental Factors
Dinosaurs roamed the Earth for more than 160 million years during the Mesozoic Era, which spans from about 252 to 66 million years ago. Understanding the average temperature and climate during this period provides crucial insights into the environments these prehistoric creatures inhabited and the factors that may have contributed to their eventual extinction.
Global Temperature Estimates During the Mesozoic Era
The Mesozoic Era is divided into three distinct periods: the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous. These periods were characterized by warmer global temperatures compared to today. The average global temperatures during the Mesozoic Era are estimated to have been around 15-20°C (59-68°F) or even higher in some regions. This warmth played a significant role in the lush and abundant vegetation that supported the diverse array of dinosaur species.
During the Jurassic Period (about 201 to 145 million years ago), some estimates suggest average temperatures could have reached 20-25°C (68-77°F). This period is known for its significant dinosaur diversity, with iconic species such as Iguanodon and Apatosaurus.
The Cretaceous Period (about 145 to 66 million years ago) showed more variation in temperature. The first 40 million years were relatively cooler, while the last 40 million years were significantly warmer. The Cretaceous period was longer than the entire Cenozoic Era (the current geologic period) and marked by numerous climatic changes due to oceanic and continental movements.
Climate Changes and Ocean Currents during the Cretaceous Period
One of the key factors influencing the climate during the Mesozoic Era was the movement of tectonic plates and the change in ocean currents. For example, during the Cretaceous Period, the Atlantic Ocean was widening, which changed the circulation of warm and cold currents. This continuous movement of continents and the formation of new land bridges had a significant impact on the global climate.
It's worth noting that the rate of widening of the Atlantic Ocean during the Cretaceous Period was approximately 1.5 cm per year. Over the 80 million years of the Cretaceous, this resulted in a widening of about 1200 km, leading to changes in oceanic currents and climate patterns.
The Role of Ocean Currents and Climate Variations in Dinosaurs' Extinction
The Cretaceous Period was a time of significant climatic changes. The warmer periods fostended the lush and diverse vegetation that dinosaurs thrived on. However, the rapid changes in climate, possibly due to the movement of the continents and formation of new land bridges, could have contributed to their decline and eventual extinction.
The extinction of many species, including dinosaurs, has been attributed to a combination of factors, including the mixing of faunas and the introduction of exotic pests. Unlike some of the exotic pests, which can devastate local ecosystems, the dinosaurs were on the move, spreading across continents, which would have inevitably led to the disruption of established ecosystems.
Additionally, the warming and cooling of the Earth during the Mesozoic Era can be compared to current climate change trends. While the causes of the dinosaurs' extinction are complex and not fully understood, the significance of climate change in shaping the Earth's history and the extinction events that followed is a pertinent reminder of the importance of understanding current climate trends.
Key Takeaways
The Mesozoic Era was a period marked by incredibly warm global temperatures, which supported the diverse and complex ecosystems that sustained the dinosaurs. The Cretaceous Period, in particular, saw significant climatic changes that likely played a role in the eventual extinction of many dinosaur species. Understanding these past climate changes can help us to better understand the impacts of modern climate change on our current world.
Keywords
Dinosaurs, Mesozoic Era, climate change