An 80-million-year sulphur isotope record of pyrite burial over the Permian-Triassic

Despite the extensive use of sulphur isotope ratios (delta S-34) for understanding ancient biogeochemical cycles, many studies focus on specific time-points of interest, such as the end-Permian mass extinction (EPME). We have generated an 80 million-year Permian-Triassic delta S-34(evap) curve from the Staithes 5-20 borehole, Yorkshire, England. The Staithes delta S-34(evap) record replicates the major features of the global curve, while confirming a new excursion at the Olenekian/Anisian boundary at similar to 247 million years ago. We incorporate the resultant delta S-34(evap) curve into a sulphur isotope box model. Our modelling approach reveals three significant pyrite burial events (i.e. PBEs) in the Triassic. In particular, it predicts a significant biogeochemical response across the EPME, resulting in a substantial increase in pyrite burial, possibly driven by Siberian Traps volcanism. Our model suggests that after similar to 10 million years pyrite burial achieves relative long-term stability until the latest Triassic.

Automated summary

Despite the extensive use of sulphur isotope ratios (delta S-34) for understanding ancient biogeochemical cycles, this study focuses on generating an 80 million-year Permian-Triassic delta S-34(evap) curve and incorporating it into a sulphur isotope box model. The model reveals three significant pyrite burial events in the Triassic and predicts a substantial increase in pyrite burial across the end-Permian mass extinction, possibly driven by Siberian Traps volcanism.