Mathematical Model Suggests Idea of "Slushball Earth"

April 24, 2008

A mathematical model developed by W. Richard Peltier (University of Toronto) implies that 700 million years ago the Earth’s surface may have been warmer than previously thought. The math model casts doubt on the well-known “snowball Earth” hypothesis, which posits that the planet was once covered in ice. Moreover, since photosynthesis ceased during this time period--the late Neoproterozoic period--no life could have existed on the planet.

However, ancestors to photosynthetic life might have existed during this period because--according to the math model--there were "oscillatory glaciations and de-glaciations on a timescale that’s similar to the timescale that people have argued were appropriate for the Neoproterozoic,” said Peltier.

“As the temperature of the Neoproterozoic ocean cools and moves towards a snowball state," said Peltier, more organic carbon is converted into carbon dioxide. “The oxygen is drawn down out of the atmosphere into the ocean, re-mineralizing the organic matter and forcing respiration," Peltier explained. “When respiration occurs, it generates carbon dioxide, part of which remains dissolved in the ocean, but part of which is forced out of the ocean into the atmosphere which enhances the greenhouse effect and prevents the cooling."

Thanks in part to the mathematical model; Peltier’s work has given rise to the phrase “slushball Earth."

Source: physorg.com