Supercomputer Predicts When Earth’s Oxygen Will Run Out and What It Means for Us

Future of Earth: Supercontinent Pangaea Ultima Could Make the Planet Uninhabitable

A recent simulation from the University of Bristol has painted a grim picture of Earth’s future. In 250 million years, a new supercontinent, Pangaea Ultima, could form, bringing with it extreme heat, volcanic eruptions, and unbearable humidity. This harsh environment would challenge life on Earth, including humans, pushing species to evolve or face extinction.

Pangaea Ultima: The Creation of a New Supercontinent

The formation of Pangaea Ultima will be a result of Earth’s tectonic plates slowly colliding and merging, eventually bringing all continents together into a single landmass. This process, though gradual, will change Earth’s surface dramatically. Without oceans to regulate temperatures, the supercontinent’s core will become a heat trap, leading to temperatures as high as 50°C (122°F). These scorching conditions will make Earth inhospitable to most life forms, including mammals.

Extreme Heat and Greenhouse Effect

As the Sun’s output increases over the next 250 million years, Earth will face a much hotter climate. This will worsen the already rising temperatures on Pangaea Ultima, causing the greenhouse effect to intensify. The atmosphere will trap more heat, making survival more difficult for all species. The Earth’s surface will face extreme life-threatening conditions.

Volcanic Activity and Rising Humidity

Along with the extreme heat, the formation of Pangaea Ultima will lead to increased volcanic activity. As tectonic plates collide, massive eruptions will release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, further driving global warming. This continuous volcanic activity, combined with rising humidity, will create a deadly combination of heat and moisture that mammals, including humans, may struggle to endure. For instance, sweating, a crucial way mammals cool down, would become ineffective in high humidity, leading to overheating.

The “Triple Whammy” of Catastrophe

Dr. Alexander Farnsworth, a lead scientist on the study, calls this scenario a “triple whammy.” The extreme heat, rising humidity, and constant volcanic eruptions will create conditions where survival is nearly impossible for most species. In this scenario, humans and other mammals would either need to adapt or face extinction.

How Can Humans Survive on Pangaea Ultima?

Survival in such harsh conditions might seem impossible, but there are possibilities. Over millions of years, humans may evolve new physical traits to cope with the extreme heat. For example, humans could develop more efficient sweating systems or heat-resistant skin. Another possibility could be a nocturnal lifestyle, similar to desert creatures, to avoid the heat during the day.

Technology may also play a crucial role in survival. Humans could create underground cities, where temperatures are more stable and manageable. These cities would provide refuge from the heat, volcanic ash, and humidity. If Earth’s conditions become too extreme, humanity could turn to space travel, colonizing other planets to ensure the continuation of life.

A Pattern of Mass Extinctions

The formation of supercontinents has historically been linked to mass extinctions. When continents collide, they trigger tectonic activity, volcanic eruptions, and climate disruptions. Such events have caused widespread environmental changes, leading to the extinction of many species. However, life on Earth has always found ways to adapt, even during the most catastrophic events.

Dr. Hannah Davies, a scientist involved in the research, emphasizes that even in the face of mass extinction, life on Earth has a remarkable ability to evolve and survive. While some species may vanish, others will adapt and thrive in the new conditions.

The Future of Life on Earth

While the idea of Pangaea Ultima may seem like a distant concern, it serves as a stark reminder of the power of Earth’s natural processes. This simulation offers a glimpse into a future where survival may be determined by adaptability—whether through evolution, technology, or even migration to new worlds.

As we look ahead, it raises an important question: What steps can we take today to prepare for the challenges of tomorrow, both on Earth and beyond?