The climate during the Mesozoic Era, which spanned roughly from 252 to 66 million years ago, was significantly different from what we experience today. Overall, the Mesozoic was generally warmer, with no evidence of ice caps at the poles.
During the Early Mesozoic, the Triassic period brought about arid conditions in many regions, characterized by deserts and seasonal rainfall. As time progressed into the Jurassic period, the climate became more humid and temperate, allowing lush vegetation and diverse ecosystems to thrive. This change was largely due to increased volcanic activity and the breakup of the supercontinent Pangaea, which created new oceanic environments and altered global climate patterns.
By the Late Mesozoic, particularly in the Cretaceous period, the Earth experienced even warmer temperatures, with a high sea level that flooded many continental areas. This created shallow inland seas that contributed to a rich marine life and diverse flora, including the vast forests of conifers and cycads.
In summary, the Mesozoic Era was characterized by a warm climate that varied from arid to humid conditions, fostering an environment where dinosaurs and other prehistoric life could flourish.