Timescale of critical events around the cretaceous-paleogene boundary

Renne, P.R., Deino, A.L., Hilgen, F.J., Kuiper, K.F., Mark, D.F. , Morgan, L.E. and Smith, J. (2013) Timescale of critical events around the cretaceous-paleogene boundary. Science, 339(6120), pp. 684-687. (doi: 10.1126/science.1230492)

Abstract

Mass extinctions manifest in Earth's geologic record were turning points in biotic evolution. We present 40Ar/39Ar data that establish synchrony between the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary and associated mass extinctions with the Chicxulub bolide impact to within 32,000 years. Perturbation of the atmospheric carbon cycle at the boundary likely lasted less than 5000 years, exhibiting a recovery time scale two to three orders of magnitude shorter than that of the major ocean basins. Low-diversity mammalian fauna in the western Williston Basin persisted for as little as 20,000 years after the impact. The Chicxulub impact likely triggered a state shift of ecosystems already under near-critical stress.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Morgan, Dr Leah and Mark, Professor Darren
• Authors: Renne, P.R., Deino, A.L., Hilgen, F.J., Kuiper, K.F., Mark, D.F., Morgan, L.E., and Smith, J.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre
• Journal Name: Science
• Publisher: American Association for the Advancement of Science
• ISSN: 0036-8075
• ISSN (Online): 1095-9203