ICE AGE VOLCANOS
could volcanoes be the key to life during the ice age
ice age volcanoes
The scientists mapped the numbers of organisms in relation to geothermal areas—volcanoes, mostly—known to have been active since the last ice age. They found the number of species was greatest at or around such sites, which the scientists said reflected volcanoes' role as ice age refuges.
antarctica volcanoes
Antarctica has about 16 volcanoes which have been active since the last Ice Age 20,000 years ago.
there are various mosses, lichens, and bugs found in Antarctica today. About 60 per cent of Antarctic's invertebrate species are found nowhere else in the world
The scientists mapped the numbers of organisms in relation to geothermal areas—volcanoes, mostly—known to have been active since the last ice age. They found the number of species was greatest at or around such sites, which the scientists said reflected volcanoes' role as ice age refuges.Volcanic steam can melt large ice caves under the glaciers, and it can be tens of degrees warmer in there than outside. Caves and warm steam fields would have been great places for species to hang out during Ice Ages,” said lead author Dr Ceridwen Fraser from the Australian National University.
"The heat from volcanoes is very localized—a kilometer or two away you won't feel it. If the diversity patterns were only linked to species preferring volcanic areas today, we'd only see more species right there on the volcanoes, and no gradient away from them,
works cited
"How Does Life Survive during Ice Ages? Scientists Unravel Mystery." The Christian
Science Monitor. The Christian Science Monitor, n.d. Web. 12 Feb. 2015.
Pappas, By Stephanie. "Hidden Volcanoes Melt Antarctic Glaciers from Below." LiveScience. TechMedia Network, 09 June 2014. Web. 23 Feb. 2015.
"Volcanoes May Have Helped Life Survive Ice Ages." Breaking Science News SciNewscom. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Feb. 2015.
"Were Volcanoes Ice Age Refuges for Life?" National Geographic. N.p., n.d. Web.