Document Detail


Limits for combustion in low O2 redefine paleoatmospheric predictions for the Mesozoic.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  18755974     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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 degrees C in O2 concentrations ranging from 9 to 21% and at ambient and high CO2 (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 O2 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 O2 levels (10 to 12%) in the Mesozoic.
Authors:
C M Belcher; J C McElwain
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Science (New York, N.Y.)     Volume:  321     ISSN:  1095-9203     ISO Abbreviation:  Science     Publication Date:  2008 Aug 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2008-08-29     Completed Date:  2008-09-12     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  0404511     Medline TA:  Science     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  1197-200     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin (UCD), Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland. claire.belcher@ucd.ie
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Animals
Atmosphere*
Bryophyta
Extinction, Biological
Fires*
Oxygen*
Paper
Temperature
Time
Wood
Chemical
Reg. No./Substance:
7782-44-7/Oxygen

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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