The Siberian Traps (IMAGE) City College of New York Caption The Siberian Traps, the scene of ancient volcanic eruptions 252 million years ago that led to a massive extinction of life on Earth. CCNY researchers Ellen Gales and Benjamin Black obtained samples for their study there. Credit Photo credit: B. Black and L.T. Elkins-Tanton Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.