Felsic volcanism as a factor driving the end-Permian mass extinction

Area of Science:

• Geochemistry
• Paleoclimatology
• Volcanology

Background:

• The Siberian Traps large igneous province (STLIP) is the primary suspected driver of the end-Permian mass extinction (EPME).
• Environmental changes during the EPME are critical to understanding this major extinction event.
• The role of coeval felsic volcanism in the EPME has been understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the contribution of felsic volcanism to end-Permian environmental changes.
• To explore the potential role of felsic volcanism as a trigger for the EPME.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of geochemical signatures, including copper (Cu) and mercury (Hg) concentrations and Cu isotopes, in South China during the EPME interval.
• Examination of melt inclusions for copper and sulfide content.
• Estimation of volcanic sulfur dioxide (SO2) injections based on geochemical data.

Main Results:

• Extreme Cu enrichment and a shift towards lighter Cu isotopes were observed in the EPME interval in South China.
• Melt inclusions revealed high copper and sulfide content, alongside Hg concentration spikes.
• Geochemical signatures indicate the production of sulfur-rich vapor from felsic volcanism, suggesting significant SO2 injections.

Conclusions:

• Felsic volcanism produced S-rich vapor, leading to rapid cooling events preceding or coinciding with global warming during the EPME.
• Geochemical evidence suggests felsic volcanism near the South China block played a role in the EPME.
• The Siberian Traps large igneous province may not have been the sole trigger of the end-Permian mass extinction.