Doomsday: Could We Survive

Doomsday: Could we Survive?

The Permian Extinction was deadly, it killed 90% of all life. Many factors destroyed populations of animals, including the great dinosaurs. Could modern-day humans have survived a major disaster like it? What factors would affect us the most? For my thought experiment, I will expand on all of the factors that would affect humans if a major extinction were to occur again.

Almost everyone has heard of 2012, the supposed end of the world. As the Mayan calendar ends, many believe the earth does as well. Many theories have come about for doomsday, from "Nibiru" or "Planet X" crashing into earth to galactic alignment, solar flares, polar shifts, to black holes, the list has many people worried. (NASA) But, in the end, there is no scientific evidence behind any of the claims. Not even the Mayans will say that their calendar predicts the end of the world. (NASA)

The previous set aside, could humans survive the dangers that came with the Permian Extinction? Many factors would play, a meteor strike, sea-level changes, toxic oceans, volcanoes, and weather anomalies would affect the humans on earth. (Hoffman)

The hardest to survive would be the meteor strike. Anyone within the impact zone of the meteor would die instantly as it struck, crushing and melting them in its immense heat and size. (Alden) Many within the blast zone would need to take cover, and avoid debris and other flying materials, which could cause certain death. As the dust lifted, one would find a destroyed area, left with nothing to fend for. The land would be destroyed; everything would be wiped off the surface of the earth. As the sun was blocked out, natural plants would die from lack of sun, depleting oxygen levels. (Hoffman) Some herbivores would die, and so would their predators. But, if humans were able to get enough oxygen they could survive the blackout.

The sea levels would also rise and fall. This would be pretty easily overcome though. If the sea levels rose, people could move inland. If they dropped, people could move closer to it. Unlike in movies, the actual change in sea level would not be instant. Water would not start flowing into cities as a 150 foot wave. The water would move more slowly, maybe a couple feet a day. (Alden)

Toxic oceans and air would affect us some. As the major oceans began bubbling and releasing carbon dioxide, humans would start to lose oxygen. (Hoffman) Some would become poisoned, while others in better health with stronger lungs would be able to breathe okay. Many animals would die, but humans could still use them for food and survive. We would be unable to eat natural seafood because it would be poisoned. (Alden) But, water would be filtrated and become non-poisonous to us.

One of the hardest phenomena's humans would have to survive would be volcanoes. Volcanoes would show up around many of the fault lines around