Re: Supernova causing P/T boundry mass extinctions?

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Actually there is a more extensive literature on the supernovae /
extinction / global change link that most people realize.  Here are some
additional references.

Schindewolf, O. H. 1963. Neocatastrophismus? Deut. Geol. Ges. Z. 114:430-445.
(The first proposal of a link between a supernova and the K/T extinctions.
Note: I spell Otto's name differently than Doug.)

Terry, K. D. & Tucker, W. H. 1968. Biological effects of supernovae.
Science 159:421-423. (Estimate that the Earth is exposed to a radiation
does of 500 r once every 50 m.y. and a does of 1500 r once every 300 m.y.
as a result of supernovae.  It goes on to note that most lab animals die
after exposures between 200-700 r).

Ruderman, M. A. 1974. Possible consequences of nearby supernova explosions
for atmospheric ozone and terrestrial life. Science 184:1079-1081.
(Suggests that more than 90% of the Earth's ozone may have been destroyed
by supernovae radiation at least a few times during the Phanerozoic).

Clark, D. H., McCrea, W. H. and Stephenson. F. R. 1977. Frequency of nearby
supernovae and climatic and biological catastrophes. Nature 265:318-319.
(argues that the Earth should (on average) pass close to (within 3262 light
years) a supernovae once for each galactic revolution.  This pass would
alter the ozone layer, reduce greenhouse warming and possibly initiate an
ice-age).

Reid, G. C. et al. 1978. Effects of intense stratospheric ionization
events. (Speculates that the Earth must have passed through the remnant
shell of ancient supernovae which would have resulted in periods of harsh
environmental conditions.  Specifically increased UV radiation, a cooler,
drier climate, and reduced photosynthetic activity).


Norm MacLeod


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Norman MacLeod
Senior Research Fellow
N.MacLeod@nhm.ac.uk (Internet)
N.MacLeod@uk.ac.nhm (Janet)

Address: Dept. of Palaeontology, The Natural History Museum,
                     Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD

Office Phone: 071-938-9006
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