Did it rain on Earth for 2 million years?

 A period known as the Carnian Pluvial Event, which occurred approximately 232 million years ago, marked a dramatic turning point in Earth's climate history.

In an extraordinary shift, the planet shifted from arid conditions to a long phase of intense rainfall that lasted between one and two million years.

A world dominated by rain

This significant phenomenon was first identified in the late 20th century by observing peculiar sedimentary layers in ancient rocks and has fascinated the scientific community ever since.

Evidence found in diverse geographic locations, from the Eastern Alps to the UK, points to a world dominated by wetter conditions that fundamentally changed the course of life on Earth.

Similarly, in the UK, geologist and forensic scientist Alastair Raphael investigated a layer of gray rock embedded in the characteristic red rock of the region.

Dawn of the Dinosaurs

The findings point to a sudden and prolonged increase in precipitation at the dawn of the Age of Dinosaurs — a time when these prehistoric giants began to diversify and thrive.

This correlation suggests that wetter conditions may have been the catalyst for the evolutionary success of dinosaurs and other terrestrial fauna, marking a pivotal moment in Earth's biological history.

Unusual sedimentary layers

The story began to unfold in the 1970s and 80s when geologists stumbled upon unusual layers of sediment embedded in ancient rocks.

Unusual sedimentary layers

In the Eastern Alps, researchers found evidence of siliciclastic sedimentation — a deposit typically associated with water — in carbonate rocks.

Similarly, in the UK, geologist and forensic scientist Alastair Raphael investigated a layer of gray rock embedded in the characteristic red rock of the region.

Extreme weather changes

However, the Carnian pluvial event did not have detrimental effects on life. The research, published in the Journal of the Geological Society, paints a grim picture of environmental challenges at this time.

Volcanic eruptions that started this period were responsible for producing acid rain and releasing additional greenhouse gases, leading to rapid climate change.