Pace, magnitude, and nature of terrestrial climate change through the end-Permian extinction in southeastern Gondwana

Rapid climate change was a major contributor to the end-Permian extinction (EPE). Although well constrained for the marine realm, relatively few records document the pace, nature, and magnitude of climate change across the EPE in terrestrial environments. We generated proxy records for chemical weathering and land surface temperature from continental margin deposits of the high-latitude southeastern margin of Gondwana. Regional climate simulations provide additional context. Results show that Glossopteris forest-mire ecosystems collapsed during a pulse of intense chemical weathering and peak warmth, which capped similar to 1 m.y. of gradual warming and intensification of seasonality. Erosion resulting from loss of vegetation was short lived in the low-relief landscape. Earliest Triassic climate was similar to 10-14 degrees C warmer than the late Lopingian and landscapes were no longer persistently wet. Aridification, commonly linked to the EPE, developed gradually, facilitating the persistence of refugia for moisture-loving terrestrial groups.

Automated summary

Rapid climate change during the end-Permian extinction led to the collapse of Glossopteris forest-mire ecosystems, accompanied by intense chemical weathering and peak warmth. This was followed by gradual warming and intensification of seasonality over a period of approximately 1 million years. The earliest Triassic climate was significantly warmer than the late Lopingian, with landscapes becoming drier gradually, providing refugia for moisture-loving terrestrial groups.