Climate-forced Hg-remobilization associated with fern mutagenesis in the aftermath of the end-Triassic extinction.

ABSTRACT: The long-term effects of the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province, a large igneous province connected to the end-Triassic mass-extinction (201.5 Ma), remain largely elusive. Here, we document the persistence of volcanic-induced mercury (Hg) pollution and its effects on the biosphere for ~1.3 million years after the extinction event. In sediments recovered in Germany (Schandelah-1 core), we record not only high abundances of malformed fern spores at the Triassic-Jurassic boundary, but also during the lower Jurassic Hettangian, indicating repeated vegetation disturbance and stress that was eccentricity-forced. Crucially, these abundances correspond to increases in sedimentary Hg-concentrations. Hg-isotope ratios (δ²⁰²Hg, Δ¹⁹⁹Hg) suggest a volcanic source of Hg-enrichment

SUBMITTER: Bos R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11519498 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature