Snowball Earth

for EPS Final

Why causes Snowball Earth?

Increased rainfall, weathering, CO2 removed from atmosphere, Albedo effect

What ends Snowball Earth?

CO2 from volvanoes builds up in atmosphere, Albedo effect

What is Glacial Till

unsorted rocks, because glaciers do not sort rocks, this indicates the presence of glaciers

What are Dropstones?

Gigantic boulders, too strong for water to carry, evidence for snowball earth

What are Cap Carbonates?

When built-up CO2 from volcanoes causes lots of chemical weathering, draws CO2 down to land, where it eventually reaches water and percipitates carbonates (CO2 just sits on top)

What is the Albedo effect?

the ability of a surface to reflect sunlight — during snowball earth it makes it colder bc the earth is very reflective, sunlight is reflected back which makes it colder — same effect can also make the earth get warmer after snowball earth