How Volcanoes Froze the Earth (Twice)

The video explores the Snowball Earth hypothesis, detailing two major glaciation events during the Cryogenian period. It discusses evidence like drop stones and carbonate rocks, and examines causes such as volcanic activity, the carbon cycle, and the breakup of Rodinia. The video also addresses how life survived under ice and the eventual thawing due to CO2 buildup. The narrative concludes with the emergence of diverse life forms in the Ediacaran period.

What is the term used to describe the period of intense glaciation that occurred between 716 and 635 million years ago?

• Jurassic

• Permian

• Cryogenian

• Ice Age

What evidence do scientists use to support the theory of Snowball Earth?

• Fossilized plants

• Drop stones

• Volcanic ash

• Meteorite impacts

What was one initial hypothesis about how the Earth could have frozen over during the Cryogenian period?

• The Earth had less water

• The Earth was closer to the sun

• The Earth tilted on its side

• The Earth had more volcanic activity

What type of rock provides evidence for the extent of glaciation during the Cryogenian period?

• Metamorphic rock

• Carbonate rock

• Igneous rock

• Sedimentary rock

What was the main factor that disrupted Earth's carbon cycle during the Cryogenian period?

• Decrease in volcanic activity

• Formation of a new supercontinent

• Increase in solar radiation

• Breakup of Rodinia

How did the dimmer sun during the Cryogenian period affect Earth's climate?

• It made the Earth warmer

• It increased volcanic activity

• It had no effect

• It contributed to cooling

What role did sulfur dioxide play in the glaciation of Earth?

• It increased volcanic eruptions

• It had no effect

• It cooled the Earth

• It warmed the Earth

What is the feedback loop called that made the glaciation during the Cryogenian period unstoppable?

• Greenhouse effect

• Runaway icehouse effect

• Albedo effect

• Thermal expansion

What event marked the end of the Cryogenian period?

• Thawing of glaciers

• Decrease in solar radiation

• Increase in volcanic activity

• Formation of a new supercontinent

What period followed the Cryogenian, characterized by the emergence of animal life?

• Ediacaran

• Ordovician

• Cambrian

• Silurian