A new view of the Pangea supercontinent with an emphasis on the East Asian blocks

A major uncertainty in the paleogeography of Pangea is the position of the East Asian blocks (EABs). Climate models developed for Pangea with the EAB's in an isolated position aided in the development of the mega-monsoon hypothesis. We report paleomagnetic and geochronological data from late Triassic dykes and sills in North China aiming to refine the paleogeography of Pangea. The high-quality late Triassic paleomagnetic pole (33.5 degrees N, 136.1 degrees E with A95 = 6.8 degrees) positions the EABs at 75.6 degrees +/- 6.8 degrees N at -220 Ma using Beijing as a reference site. This is -50 degrees further north than previously suggested. Along with robust geological evidence, our study reveals a full amalgamation between the EABs and Pangea by -220 Ma. The updated paleogeography of Pangea based on our new reconstruction is compatible with a zonal climate model, which obviates the need for the Pangean mega-monsoon hypothesis.(c) 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Paleomagnetic and geochronological data from late Triassic dykes and sills in North China suggest that the East Asian blocks were further north and merged with Pangea earlier than previously thought. This updated reconstruction of Pangea's paleogeography is compatible with a zonal climate model, eliminating the need for the Pangean mega-monsoon hypothesis.