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Messinian Salinity Crisis

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science1 year ago•2 min saved

The Ancient Disappearance of the Mediterranean Sea Explained

A new study reveals that the Messinian Salinity Crisis (MSC), which occurred 5.5 million years ago, led to the evaporation of nearly 70% of the Mediterranean Sea in two phases. Initially, restricted water flow from the Atlantic Ocean caused significant evaporation and salt deposits. In the second phase, complete isolation accelerated these processes, drastically lowering water levels and exposing land bridges. This event, driven by tectonic activity, had significant climatic and geological impacts, and the study provides insights into the Mediterranean's historical evolution.

via ScienceAlert|

#climate-change #geology #mediterranean-sea

science1 year ago•4 min saved

Mediterranean Sea Dries Up, Sparks Global Crisis

Scientists have uncovered new insights into the Messinian Salinity Crisis, a period 6 million years ago when the Mediterranean Sea lost most of its water, transforming into a massive salt basin. By analyzing chlorine isotopes, researchers identified two phases of desiccation and salt accumulation, which drastically lowered sea levels and affected global climate patterns. The crisis led to significant marine life extinctions, but some extremophiles survived in isolated refugia. The eventual collapse of the Strait of Gibraltar allowed the Atlantic Ocean to refill the Mediterranean, ending the crisis. This study highlights the importance of understanding past geological events to better prepare for future environmental challenges.

via Earth.com|

#climate-change #geology #marine-life

science1 year ago•1 min saved

The Mediterranean's Ancient Disappearance: A Geological Mystery

Scientists have uncovered the process behind the Messinian Salinity Crisis, a geological event 5.5 million years ago that transformed the Mediterranean Sea into a massive salt basin, losing up to 70% of its water volume. This occurred in two phases: an initial salt deposition in the eastern Mediterranean and a rapid evaporative drawdown affecting the entire basin, causing significant sea-level drops. These findings, published in Nature Communications, enhance understanding of past geological phenomena and their global impacts.

via Phys.org|

#evaporation #geological-event #mediterranean-sea

science1 year ago•2 min saved

Unraveling the Mystery of the Mediterranean's Ancient Vanishing Act

Recent studies have uncovered that the Messinian Salinity Crisis, occurring between 5.97 and 5.33 million years ago, transformed the Mediterranean Sea into a massive salt basin through a two-phase evaporation process. This led to a dramatic drop in sea levels, losing up to 70% of its water volume, and caused significant environmental impacts, including volcanic eruptions and global climate changes. The findings, published in Nature Communications, enhance understanding of past geological phenomena and their global repercussions.

via SciTechDaily|

#climate-change #geology #mediterranean

earth-science2 years ago•3 min saved

Ancient 'fossil groundwater pool' found beneath Sicilian mountains

A "fossil groundwater pool" containing 4.2 cubic miles of fresh water has been discovered deep beneath the Hyblean Mountains in Sicily, Italy. The water, trapped underground during the Messinian salinity crisis 6 million years ago, became sealed off from the Mediterranean Sea by sediments and mineral deposits. Researchers believe the water could potentially alleviate water scarcity in Sicily and hope the discovery will inspire further exploration of deep groundwater reserves in other parts of the Mediterranean.

via Livescience.com|

#aquifer #earth-science #fossil-groundwater