Question

The introductory paragraphs of the article note that the warming during the hyperthermals, including the PETM, was driven by large releases of ______ into the atmosphere. Group of answer choices

a) Methane
b) Oxygen
c) Carbon dioxide
d) Nitrous oxide

Answer 1

The warming during hyperthermals like the PETM was driven by large releases of carbon dioxide (CO₂) into the atmosphere, which is a significant greenhouse gas alongside methane (CH₄).

Step-by-step explanation:

The warming during the hyperthermals, including the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM), was primarily driven by large releases of carbon dioxide (CO₂) into the atmosphere. Alongside methane (CH₄), carbon dioxide is a significant greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming by trapping heat in the Earth's atmosphere. This heat-trapping effect is similar to the glass panels of a greenhouse, which allow sunlight to enter but prevent the escape of infrared radiation or heat back into space.

Activities such as the burning of fossil fuels and large-scale deforestation have led to increased amounts of these greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, intensifying the natural greenhouse effect and leading to a rise in global temperatures and climate change.