Enhanced erosion by continental arc volcanism as a driver of the Cambrian Explosion.

ABSTRACT: Nutrient availability and rising oxygen levels are important for the Cambrian Explosion (~540-515 Ma), both of which can be satisfied via enhanced weathering driven by climate and tectonics. Although increased subduction and continental arc volcanism coincided with the Cambrian Explosion, their weathering-nutrient feedback role remained unclear. Here we integrate Li-Os isotopes with previously published Sr isotope to investigate connections between subduction-driven weathering dynamics and animal diversification. Our results reveal a shift from enhanced erosion of arc-related juvenile rocks (ca. 540-525 Ma) to clay-forming weathering of old crust (525-515 Ma). We propose that subduction-driven warming and uplift may have accelerated erosion of phosphorus-rich juvenile rocks, releasing nutr

SUBMITTER: Wu Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12533261 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature