Millions of years ago the Earth was so cold Most of its surface was covered with ice, giving it the appearance of a large snow globe. This image is based on observations made by geologists who have found deposits left by glaciers even near the equator, where these icy formations are least expected. If the ice has reached this far from the poles, this indicates that our planet is completely frozen.
However, the question of whether the freeze coverage is truly complete has always remained, because several scientists have argued that there could be areas only partially covered by ice, or areas of the open sea.a fact that will allow oxygen to penetrate and create spaces where life incubates.
Now, new research published in the journal Nature Communications appears to support this theory, suggesting that: there could be an open ice ‘oasis’ in the tundra, much further north than anticipated previously.
An important clue to support this possibility has been the discovery of a thin layer of black shale that may have remained under the sea during the Marinoan ice age. It began about 650 million years ago. Located in southern China, this shale acts as a kind of file recording the conditions in the oceans at the time.
By analyzing iron and nitrogen levels, scientists can tell if oxygen is getting into the ocean and whether life forms are producing nitrogen.
“We found evidence of ice-free conditions in the mid-north paleenlems. (places before the continental drift), Huyue Song, who was involved in the investigation, explained to the AFP agency.
“So far, only ice-free areas have been identified in equatorial regions,” he added.
Then, Instead of a “narrow ice-free belt” on Earth’s equator, “rough ice-free areas may have existed over a much wider area.”Song, a professor at the University of Geosciences in Wuhan, China, added.
The findings build on other research from Australia to Brazil that suggests life could survive in small areas when most of Earth was frozen.
Incubators for life’s kickback
These incubators may even have helped encourage a “quick rebound in the biosphere.” The research argues that it is at the end of the ice age.
Song believes these findings will help scientists better understand how our planet’s climate works and how life on Earth has evolved and survived over the centuries.
And although the ice ages correspond to ancient history, Song, they could teach useful lessons for the planet as it experiences a new drastic climate change.
This finding “provides information on how life survives extreme weather eventsIt is a topic that will become increasingly relevant as modern climate change intensifies,” he added.
Reference article: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-37172-x#Fig3
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