Chapter 255: The Initial Fissure

After Walkerson’s departure, Du Qiu convened several renowned geologists from the Dream Technology Research Institute to discuss the coming ice age. Han Guoqiang, the head of the Geological Research Branch and a native of China, responded to Du Qiu’s depiction immediately: “If prophecies describe a multitude of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions preceding the ice age, it is very likely that the ice age is caused by volcanic ash enveloping the globe.”

A geologist from Russia, Rukovsky, slightly shook his head and stated, “Based on my earlier studies, I preliminarily determined that the ice age is associated with the formation of underwater mountain ranges in Earth’s tropical oceans. While global coverage by volcanic ash can induce a period of global cooling, a true ice age is fundamentally tied to atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.”

Du Qiu, taken aback, asked, “Shouldn’t the formation of underwater mountain ranges be caused by plate tectonics? How could that affect climate change?”

Rukovsky explained, “My findings show that during Earth’s previous ice ages, large mountain ranges formed in tropical regions as a result of collisions between continental plates and island arcs. As these ranges took shape, they absorbed significant amounts of atmospheric carbon dioxide, leading to reduced insulation and heralding an ice age.”

Du Qiu continued, “Why would the formation of mountain ranges absorb such quantities of carbon dioxide, and why specifically those in tropical regions?”

With a smile, Rukovsky replied, “The tropics are relatively humid and susceptible to erosion. During mountain formation, this erosion causes silicates to dissolve into the ocean, significantly increasing its alkalinity. This alkalinity rapidly absorbs atmospheric carbon dioxide, dissolving it into the water. My study of geological data from tropical regions confirmed that more prominent ranges led to colder Earth climates before the ice ages. Specifically, I discovered that when faults created by collisions between oceanic and continental plates in these regions reach 10,000 to 30,000 kilometers, an ice age is likely. There are three such faults in Earth’s history, all longer than 10,000 kilometers.”

Han Guoqiang inquired, “According to your theory, this upcoming ice age on Earth will also witness new fault zones. Yet, prophecies claim that the ice age is to start this year on December 21st. How could such extensive submarine mountain ranges or gigantic new faults emerge in tropical regions in under six months?”

With a puzzled tone, Rukovsky admitted, “It seems unlikely, so I suspect the Mayan prophecy may be a fallacy.”

Suddenly, a German geologist named Hoffman said, “Gentlemen, have you forgotten? There was a major earthquake in California, USA, and Professor David predicted the collapse of the famous San Andreas Fault. Don’t you think new faults could form after such collapses?”

Rukovsky smacked his forehead, “That’s right, we forgot the prophecy mentioned earthquakes and volcanic eruptions before the ice age. Volcanic ash would cool Earth swiftly, while earthquakes produce extensive fault zones. Plate tectonics and mountain-building would intensify. The combination could prolong the ice age significantly. It seems the Mayan prophecy might come true. While humanity can cope with short ice ages, a prolonged one could lead to our extinction.”

Han Guoqiang chuckled, “With Dream Technology, humanity won’t go extinct.” Everyone suddenly put things into perspective—Dream Technology was constructing Heaven Realm Space City, and should an ice age occur, at least those affiliated with Dream Technology would survive.

Du Qiu addressed the experts, “Since the ice age could eventuate from these two factors, is there a way to prevent or mitigate their effects?”

Han Guoqiang pondered, “Maybe flying vehicles could clean the volcanic ash from the atmosphere, preventing rapid cooling on Earth.”

Rukovsky suggested, “It might be difficult to halt earthquakes, but we could use nuclear weapons to pre-emptively detonate along likely fault zones, stopping their extension.”

“You’re insane!” Hoffman exclaimed. “Aren’t you afraid that nuclear detonations might produce new faults?”

Shaking his head, Rukovsky assured, “I’m not worried. Russia earlier used nuclear blasts to extinguish gas field fires and create a massive reservoir. We have ample experience. A well-designed explosion could indeed stop fault progression and reduce the likelihood of an ice age.”

This reminded Du Qiu of detonating nuclear weapons to attack the nearby Area 51. Perhaps this could be a tactic. However, this plan would require support from either Russia or the United States, both with ample nuclear arsenals.

At that moment, Star Ocean’s voice rang in Du Qiu’s ear. “Sir, California has experienced a series of six earthquakes above magnitude 7. Our ‘Winged Dragon’ fighter’s super-magnetic imager discovered the collapse of the San Andreas Fault. A new gigantic fault is advancing southward toward the Gulf of California.”

Startled, Du Qiu queried, “Has seawater backflowed? Project the imagery to my conference room.”

To the attending experts, he mentioned, “The recent California earthquakes have indeed triggered the collapse of the San Andreas Fault. Here is the live footage of the fault lines.”

A 3D projection appeared above the conference table, clearly illustrating the subterranean rock layers from north San Francisco to the Gulf of California.

The geological experts were stunned by the technology’s ability to present such clear imagery of subsurface conditions during an earthquake. “Our Dream Technology indeed has miraculous tech. Such imaging devices could greatly facilitate our research,” one remarked.

“We should get back on track,” Du Qiu said amusedly. “Analyze the potential extent of this newly formed massive fault.”

Rukovsky, adjusting his glasses, estimated, “Given the new fault’s current width, it could very well extend to Central America.”

Han Guoqiang, after scrutinizing the 3D projection, said gravely, “I fear Costa Rica and Panama might sink entirely, connecting the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans directly.”

Hoffman nodded, “Indeed. Nicaragua and El Salvador may not survive either, though Honduras could rise as a giant island.”

“The massive fault is a first for me,” sighed Han Guoqiang. “Already at 6,000 kilometers, another 4,000 kilometers along the equator and the ice age becomes inevitable.”

Du Qiu concluded, “This matter demands further research. Send any viable proposal to delay the ice age.”

“Don’t worry, boss,” Han Guoqiang assured. “Our Geological Branch will prioritize this issue.”