Atmospheric Carbon Injection Linked to End-Triassic Mass Extinction
Ruhl, M.; Bonis, N.R.; Reichart, G.J.; Sinninghe Damsté, J.S.; Kürschner, W.M. (2011). Atmospheric Carbon Injection Linked to End-Triassic Mass Extinction. Science (Wash.) 333(6041): 430-434. dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.1204255 In: Science (Washington). American Association for the Advancement of Science: New York, N.Y. ISSN 0036-8075; e-ISSN 1095-9203, more |  |
| Authors | | Top | - Ruhl, M.
- Bonis, N.R.
- Reichart, G.J.
| - Sinninghe Damsté, J.S., more
- Kürschner, W.M.
| |
| Abstract | The end-Triassic mass extinction (similar to 201.4 million years ago), marked by terrestrial ecosystem turnover and up to similar 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 similar to 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 similar to 12 x 10(3) 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. |
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