Ice-crystal traces imply ephemeral freezing in early Permian equatorial Pangea

Delicate impressions in lacustrine strata of the lower Permian (lower Cisuralian) Usclas Formation record ephemeral freezing in equatorial Pangea. These sediments accumulated in the paleoequatorial and intramontane Lodeve Basin (southern Massif Central, France) during peak icehouse conditions of the Late Paleozoic Ice Age. Experimental replication of these features supports the interpretation that they are ice-crystal molds. Evidence for films of ice in marginal-lacustrine sediment at such low latitudes and inferred low to moderate altitudes (1-2 km) calls for a reevaluation of climate conditions in eastern equatorial Pangea. Ephemeral freezing implies either cold tropical temperatures (similar to 5 degrees C cooler than the Last Glacial Maximum) and/or lapse rates that exceeded those of the Last Glacial Maximum. Extreme continentality of the Lodeve Basin would have amplified seasonality, albeit the climatic forcing(s) necessary to have promoted cold temperatures in equatorial Pangea remain enigmatic.

Automated summary

The study examines delicate impressions in lacustrine strata of the Lower Permian in the Lodeve Basin of southern Massif Central, France, indicating ephemeral freezing in equatorial Pangea. Experimental replication supports the interpretation of these features as ice-crystal molds. This calls for a reevaluation of climate conditions in eastern equatorial Pangea, suggesting either cold tropical temperatures or lapse rates exceeding those of the Last Glacial Maximum.