Mass Extinction Rocks
Explore the geological evidence behind Earth's Big Five Mass Extinctions and the major climate changes that accompanied these crises. Our extinction rocks and associated geological specimens record an asteroid impact, massive volcanism, ocean disruption, and extreme environmental change.
These specimens complement our Earth's Big Five Mass Extinctions: Supervolcanoes & Climate Change poster, connecting real rocks to the events that repeatedly reshaped Earth's climate, ecosystems, and the course of evolution.
Questions Commonly Asked About the Big Five Mass Extinctions
What are the Big Five Mass Extinctions?
They are the End-Ordovician (about 445 million years ago), Late Devonian (about 372 million years ago, centered on the Frasnian–Famennian Boundary), End-Permian (about 252 million years ago), End-Triassic (about 201 million years ago), and End-Cretaceous (about 66 million years ago) extinction events. Each is marked by a major loss of global biodiversity and profound environmental change.
How is climate change related to the Big Five Mass Extinctions?
Major climate change accompanied all five crises. The End-Ordovician was tied to rapid glaciation and global cooling, while the End-Permian and End-Triassic involved intense warming. Several also included major changes in sea level, ocean circulation, ocean anoxia, and the carbon cycle. Massive volcanism is linked to several of these events, and an asteroid impact to the End-Cretaceous, with the resulting climate disruption placing severe stress on Earth's ecosystems.
What are the Siberian and Deccan Traps?
The Siberian Traps of Russia and the Deccan Traps of India are enormous flood-basalt volcanic provinces. Siberian Traps eruptions are closely linked to the End-Permian extinction, and Deccan Traps eruptions coincided with the End-Cretaceous extinction alongside the Chicxulub impact. Both released vast amounts of carbon dioxide and sulfur gases, driving major climate and environmental disruption.
How are Mass Extinctions and Snowball Earth related?
Snowball Earth glaciations occurred during the Cryogenian Period, roughly 720 to 635 million years ago, long before the Big Five. These extreme global glaciations show how major climate shifts can transform oceans, ecosystems, and the evolution of life.
Why are associated geological specimens included?
Some specimens provide geological context rather than direct evidence of extinction. Mantle rocks from the Tablelands at Gros Morne, for example, are part of an ophiolite, a section of ancient oceanic lithosphere thrust onto the continent, and help illustrate the deep-Earth processes behind magma generation, plate tectonics, and large-scale volcanism.
Is the Big Five Mass Extinctions poster a free gift?
Yes. Qualifying purchases of $150 or more include our Earth's Big Five Mass Extinctions: Supervolcanoes & Climate Change poster as a free gift at checkout. The poster explores the Big Five extinction events and their connections to asteroid impacts, massive volcanism, and major climate change.