Evolutionary catastrophes : the science of mass extinction / Vincent Courtillot ; translated by Joe McClinton.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Courtillot, V.

Standardized Title:

Vie en catastrophes. English

Language:

English

French

Subjects (All):

Catastrophes (Geology).

Extinction (Biology).

Physical Description:

xiv, 173 pages : illustrations, maps ; 24 cm

Place of Publication:

Cambridge, U.K. ; New York : Cambridge University Press, 1999.

Summary:

Throughout the history of life, a small number of catstrophic events have caused mass extinction and changed the path of evolution forever.

Two main theories have emerged to account for these dramatic events: asteroid impact and massive volcanic eruptions, both leading to nuclear-like winter. In recent years, the impact hypothesis has gained precedence, but Vincent Courtillot suggests that cataclysmic volcanic activity can be linked not only to the K -- T mass extinction but also to all of the main mass extinction events in the history of the Earth. Courtillot's book explodes some of the myths surrounding one of the most controversial arguments in science. This story will fascinate everyone interested in the history of life and death on our planet.

Contents:

1 Mass extinctions 1

2 An asteroid impact 23

3 From the roof of the world to the Deccan Traps 45

4 The volcanic scenario 57

5 Plumes and hot spots 73

6 A remarkable correlation 88

7 Nemesis or Shiva? 101

8 Chicxulub 119

9 Controversy and coincidence 135

10 Improbable catastrophes and the flukes of evolution 144.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and indexes.

ISBN:

0521583926

OCLC:

40298284