Scientists Discover Tectonic Plate Movements Trigger Biodiversity Bursts through Sea Level Changes
A groundbreaking study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has revealed that the movements of Earth’s tectonic plates have a direct impact on the bursts of biodiversity observed throughout history. The research, led by Associate Professor Slah Boulila from Sorbonne University in Paris, highlights how sea level changes, caused by tectonic shifts, create ideal breeding grounds for marine life.
The study, which involved geoscientists from the University of Sydney, presents evidence that these geologically driven cycles of sea level fluctuations significantly shape the diversity of marine species over millions of years. By studying the fossil record, the scientists were able to identify the correlation between tectonic plate movements and bursts of new life.
As water levels rise and fall, different habitats on continental shelves and in shallow seas expand and contract, providing opportunities for organisms to thrive or perish. Professor Dietmar Müller, co-author of the study, explains, “In terms of tectonics, the 36-million-year cycle marks alterations between faster and slower seafloor spreading, leading to cyclical depth changes in ocean basins and in the tectonic transfer of water into the deep Earth. These fluctuations have fostered biodiversity by creating extensive shallow seas.”
The researchers utilized the GPlates plate tectonic software, developed by the EarthByte Group at the University of Sydney, which enabled them to uncover the strikingly similar cycles in sea-level variations, Earth’s inner mechanisms, and marine fossil records. This comprehensive analysis provided overwhelming evidence that tectonic cycles and global sea level changes have played a crucial role in shaping the biodiversity of marine life over millions of years.
Professor Müller offers an analogy to explain the 36-million-year cycle, stating, “Similar to hot, thick soup in a pot that moves slowly, the cycles are 36 million years long due to regular patterns in how tectonic plates are recycled into the convecting mantle, the mobile part of the deep Earth.”
The Cretaceous Winton Formation in Queensland, famous for its collection of dinosaur fossils and precious opal, serves as a prime example of how sea-level changes have influenced biodiversity in Australia. As sea levels rose and fell, the flooding of the continent created unique habitats in shallow seas, resulting in expanding and contracting ecological recesses that allowed for a wide range of species to flourish.
“The Cretaceous Winton Formation stands as a testament to the profound impact of these sea-level changes, capturing a snapshot of a time when Australia’s landscape was transformed and fascinating creatures roamed the land,” Professor Müller emphasizes.
This research challenges previous notions of species evolution and highlights the critical role of tectonic plate movements in shaping the biodiversity we observe today. By understanding the interplay between plate tectonics and sea level variations, scientists aim to gain further insights into the mechanisms that drive the evolution of marine life and ultimately better understand our planet’s history.
Reference: “Earth’s interior dynamics drive marine fossil diversity cycles of tens of millions of years” by Slah Boulila, Shanan E. Peters, R. Dietmar Müller, Bilal U. Haq, and Nathan Hara, 10 July 2023, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2221149120