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Limits for Combustion in Low O 2 Redefine Paleoatmospheric Predictions for the Mesozoic
- Source :
- Science. 321:1197-1200
- Publication Year :
- 2008
- Publisher :
- American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), 2008.
-
Abstract
- Several studies have attempted to determine the lower limit of atmospheric oxygen under which combustion can occur; however, none have been conducted within a fully controlled and realistic atmospheric environment. We performed experimental burns (using pine wood, moss, matches, paper, and a candle) at 20°C in O 2 concentrations ranging from 9 to 21% and at ambient and high CO 2 (2000 parts per million) in a controlled environment room, which was equipped with a thermal imaging system and full atmospheric, temperature, and humidity control. Our data reveal that the lower O 2 limit for combustion should be increased from 12 to 15%. These results, coupled with a record of Mesozoic paleowildfires, are incompatible with the prediction of prolonged intervals of low atmospheric O 2 levels (10 to 12%) in the Mesozoic.
Details
- ISSN :
- 10959203 and 00368075
- Volume :
- 321
- Database :
- OpenAIRE
- Journal :
- Science
- Accession number :
- edsair.doi.dedup.....c93fe699c6aecd677be767f47a421ba6