Portuguese scientists from the University of Lisbon calculated the start date of the processes of closing the Atlantic Ocean. The study was published in the scientific journal magazine Geology.
Although the oceans may seem endless to humans, they have their own life cycles that last hundreds of millions of years: birth, growth, and closure. The Atlantic Ocean emerged about 180 million years ago during the collapse of the Pangea continent. And the Mediterranean is what remains of the vast Tethys Ocean that once stood between Africa and Eurasia.
For the Atlantic Ocean to stop growing and begin to close, subduction zones must form where one tectonic plate sinks beneath another. Such zones are difficult to form because they require the bending and destruction of very strong sections of the Earth’s crust. However, existing subduction zones may migrate.
The scientists’ work showed for the first time how such an invasion could occur. The 3D computational model predicts that the subduction zone currently beneath the Strait of Gibraltar will expand further into the Atlantic and contribute to the formation of the Atlantic Ring of Fire, an Atlantic subduction system similar to the current structure in the Pacific Ocean.
From a geological perspective, this will happen soon, but not until about 20 million years from now.
Previous scientists warned About the risk of freezing of Europe due to the cessation of Atlantic currents.
What are you thinking?
Source: Gazeta
Barbara Dickson is a seasoned writer for “Social Bites”. She keeps readers informed on the latest news and trends, providing in-depth coverage and analysis on a variety of topics.