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Oceanic Anoxia and the End Permian Mass Extinction
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|May 24, 1996
Summary
The Late Permian oceans experienced widespread anoxia, even at high latitudes, potentially causing the mass extinction event. This oceanic crisis impacted diverse marine environments, from deep shelves to shallow waters.
Area of Science:
- Paleoceanography
- Geochemistry
- Paleontology
Background:
- The Late Permian period was marked by significant environmental changes.
- Ocean anoxia is a critical factor influencing marine ecosystems and biodiversity.
- Understanding past anoxic events provides insights into current oceanographic challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the extent and distribution of Late Permian ocean anoxia.
- To correlate anoxic conditions with the Late Permian mass extinction event.
- To determine the paleolatitudinal range of anoxic events.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of rock samples from Spitsbergen, Italy, and Slovenia.
- Geochemical and sedimentological analyses to identify anoxic indicators.
- Paleontological assessment to evaluate biodiversity changes.
Main Results:
- Evidence indicates ocean anoxia occurred globally in the Late Permian.
- Anoxic conditions were present at both low and high paleolatitudes.
- The anoxic event extended into shallow marine environments, above the storm wave base.
Conclusions:
- Widespread ocean anoxia in the Late Permian likely triggered the mass extinction.
- The anoxic event affected marine life across a broad spectrum of shelf depths.
- Paleolatitude was not a barrier to the development of Late Permian anoxia.