Atmospheric Carbon Injection Linked to End-Triassic Mass Extinction
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Material Information

Title:
Atmospheric Carbon Injection Linked to End-Triassic Mass Extinction
Series Title:
Science Magazine Volume 333
Creator:
Micha Ruhl
Nina R. Bonis
Gert-Jan Reichart
Jaap S. Sinninghe Damste
Wolfram M. Kurschner
Affiliation:
Utrecht University -- Institute of Environmental Biology
Utrecht University -- Institute of Environmental Biology
Utrecht University -- Department of Earth Sciences
Utrecht University -- Department of Earth Sciences
Utrecht University -- Institute of Environmental Biology
Publisher:
American Association for the Advancement of Science
Publication Date:

Notes

Abstract:
The end-Triassic mass extinction (~201.4 million years ago), marked by terrestrial ecosystem turnover and up to ~50% loss in marine biodiversity, has been attributed to intensified volcanic activity during the break-up of Pangaea. Here, we present compound-specific carbon-isotope data of long-chain n-alkanes derived from waxes of land plants, showing a ~8.5 per mil negative excursion, coincident with the extinction interval. These data indicate strong carbon-13 depletion of the end-Triassic atmosphere, within only 10,000 to 20,000 years. The magnitude and rate of this carbon-cycle disruption can be explained by the injection of at least ~12 × 103 gigatons of isotopically depleted carbon as methane into the atmosphere. Concurrent vegetation changes reflect strong warming and an enhanced hydrological cycle. Hence, end-Triassic events are robustly linked to methane-derived massive carbon release and associated climate change. ( English )

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