Ice age extinction : cause and human consequences / Jim Snook.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Snook, Jim, 1933-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Extinction (Biology).

Glacial epoch.

Climatic changes.

Atmospheric carbon dioxide--Physiological effect.

Atmospheric carbon dioxide.

Physical Description:

xiv, 191 p. : ill., maps.

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

New York : Algora Pub., 2008.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

Global warming seen from the other side: by the end of the last ice age, the earth had lost most of its large animal species and most of its humans. In a novel approach the author argues that the main cause of this catastrophic extinction was a drastic reduction in atmospheric carbon dioxide, due to the long period of cold, and he backs up his theory with scientific explanations given in clear language for the general reader. The author explores the causes of Earth s cyclical temperature changes and shows how those temperature shifts touch off a chain of events in the atmosphere, in the oceans and on land. Cold temperature was the trigger; and the resultant reduction in carbon dioxide, he argues, was the bullet that killed off so many species. The re-warming released more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and fueled a resurgence which we are still enjoying. In addition, the author describes the human responses to increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide after the last ice age and in the last 150 years. Near the end of the last ice age, atmospheric carbon dioxide was about half of what it is today. Due to the lack of carbon dioxide, most of the vegetation disappeared from the middle and high latitudes. Without plants to eat, many large animals became extinct; North America lost three-fourths of its large animals including the woolly mammoth, mastodon, and saber tooth cat. Humans, too, had little to eat in these areas and their population declined dramatically. The book then explains how and why atmospheric carbon dioxide increased by about 50% after the last ice age ended, encouraging a population explosion among plants, animals and humans, all of which then migrated into many previously barren areas. More recently, the 28% increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide in the last 150 years has caused a six-fold increase in the human population. Changes

in the next 300 years will reverse some of the current trends. There have been some books on the causes of extinction over the last forty years, but all looked at other causes and none examined the role of low atmospheric carbon dioxide. This book has value for anyone interested in the ice age extinction; glaciers; the glacial cycle; the atmosphere and oceans; the past and future of plants, animals, and humans. It provides long-term information on atmospheric carbon dioxide, global warming and cooling.

Contents:

Intro

Acknowledgements

Maps and Diagrams

Preface

Chapter 1. Introduction

The Last Extinction Compared to Other Times of Extinction

How the Last Extinction Relates to the Ice Age

Life Changes near the End of the Last Ice Age

Background Data

Low Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide Effect

Looking Ahead

Chapter 2. Transitions Relating to Extinction

Exposed Land

Greatest Glacial Extent

Changing Plant Distribution and Character

Woolly Mammoth and Relatives

Large Animal Distribution

Chapter 3. Extinction

Melting of the Continental Glaciers

Large Animal Extinction

Loess and Sand Dune Deposits

Dust and Sand Storm Effects on Animals and Humans

Chapter 4. How the Glacial Cycle Works

Heat Cycles

Energy for the Glacial Cycle

How Heat is Utilized on Earth

How a Glacier Works

Types of Glaciers

Idealized 100,000 Year Glacial Cycle

Interglacial Period

Accumulation Phase

Background Information for Full Data Diagram

Dormant Phase

Active Phase

Glacial Breakup Phase

Chapter 5. Ocean Changes Relating to Glaciation and Extinction

Atmospheric Gases in the Oceans

Prelude to Extinction in the Active Phase

Changes to the Oceans during Glacial Breakup

Meltwater Distribution during Glacial Melting

Carbon Dioxide Absorbed by the Oceans

After the Glacial Breakup

Chapter 6. Changes in the Atmosphere during the Last Extinction

Origin of the Atmosphere

Evolution of the Atmosphere

Shape of the Atmosphere

Tree Lines

Late Glacial Cycle Atmospheric Changes Leading to Extinction

The Atmosphere during the Interglacial Period

Particles in the Atmosphere

Chapter 7. Glacial Changes to the Land Affecting Life

What Glaciers Do to the Land

Land Changes from Glacial Breakup and Melting

Land Changes Left Behind After Glaciation.

Events Leading to Loess and Sand Dune Deposits

Origin of Loess and Sand Dune Deposits

Land Changes from Lowering Sea Level

Land Changes from Rising Sea Level

Chapter 8. Changes in Plants Leading to Extinction

Plant Changes throughout Geological History

Plant Changes in the Last Glacial Cycle

Plant Changes Leading to Extinction

Some Plant Life Changes Associated with Extinction

Plant Changes since the End of the Last Ice Age

Chapter 9. Large Animal Extinction Associated with Glacial Melting

Origin and Evolution of Animals

Animal Life in the Pleistocene

Animal Life in the Last Glacial Breakup Phase

Extent of Extinction

Key Points for Extinction

Animal Life after the Extinction

Chapter 10. The Human Condition during Extinction

Origin and Development of Early Humans

Humans in the Pleistocene

Humans in the Active Phase Prior to Extinction

Humans in the Last Glacial Breakup

Chapter 11. First Big Increase in Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide and Population

Humans in the Current Interglacial Period

Rapid Increase in Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide and Human, Plant, and Animal Population

Agriculture

Irrigation and Nutrients

Growth of Civilization

Warm Spell before the Little Ice Age

Little Ice Age

Human Response to the Little Ice Age

Chapter 12. Current Big Increase in Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide and Population

Large Increase in Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide and Population in the Last 150 Years

Crop Yield Increase Caused by Increase in Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide

Wheat Crop Sketches: 1918â€"1998

(Source: Kansas Agriculture Statistics Service)

Other Factors Associated with Food Supply

Factors Altering Human Population Growth

The Oceans Rising or Seashores Sinking

Plant and Animal Changes with Increased Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide.

Attitude Changes with Increased Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide and Population

Chapter 13. The Way We Are and Where We are Heading

Where We Are Today

Where We are Heading

Historic Data and Future Projections

Sometimes People Can be an Arrogant Lot

Chapter 14. The Future

Life in the Age of Declining Fossil Fuels

Life in a Time of Declining and Aging Population

Life After the End of the Fossil Fuels

Life in the Age of Declining Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide

Life in the Coming Glacial Cycle

Conclusion

Sources

Index of Names

Index of Subjects.

Notes:

Bibliographic Level Mode of Issuance: Monograph

Includes bibliographical references and indexes.

ISBN:

1-281-39837-3

9786611398378

0-87586-559-3

OCLC:

476115923