🔬 Science · Volcanoes & Earthquakes

Volcanoes & Mass Extinctions

Explain how large igneous provinces (LIPs) — massive outpourings of lava over millions of years — caused global warming and ocean acidification that drove mass extinctions; connect the Siberian Traps to the end-Permian extinction and the Deccan Traps to the end-Cretaceous event; explore how hydrothermal vents on the early Earth may have been the cradle of life; understand volcanoes as both destroyers and creators in the history of life

Typical age: 13–14 years

“Can your child explain how enormous volcanic eruptions millions of years ago may have triggered some of Earth's biggest mass extinctions — what's the chain of events from lava to species dying out?”

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Hazard Assessment & EvacuationREQUIRED
Understanding large igneous provinces and geological-scale eruptions depends on probabilistic hazard assessment frameworks
The Rock CycleREQUIRED
Large igneous provinces and geological time depends on rock cycle context

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