Mega El Niño instigated the end-Permian mass extinction

Sun Y, Farnsworth A, Joachimski M, Wignall PB, Krystyn L, Bond DP, Ravidà DC, Valdes PJ (2024)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2024

Journal

Science American Association for the Advancement of Science

Book Volume: 385

Pages Range: 1189-1195

Journal Issue: 6714

DOI: 10.1126/science.ado2030

Abstract

The ultimate driver of the end-Permian mass extinction is a topic of much debate. Here, we used a multiproxy and paleoclimate modeling approach to establish a unifying theory elucidating the heightened susceptibility of the Pangean world to the prolonged and intensified El Niño events leading to an extinction state. As atmospheric partial pressure of carbon dioxide doubled from about 410 to about 860 ppm (parts per million) in the latest Permian, the meridional overturning circulation collapsed, the Hadley cell contracted, and El Niños intensified. The resultant deforestation, reef demise, and plankton crisis marked the start of a cascading environmental disaster. Reduced carbon sequestration initiated positive feedback, producing a warmer hothouse and, consequently, stronger El Niños. The compounding effects of elevated climate variability and mean state warming led to catastrophic but diachronous terrestrial and marine losses.

Authors with CRIS profile

Michael Joachimski Lehrstuhl für Geologie (Exogene Dynamik)

Involved external institutions

China University of Geosciences / 中国地质大学 CN China (CN) Georg-August-Universität Göttingen DE Germany (DE) University of Leeds GB United Kingdom (GB) University of Hull GB United Kingdom (GB) University of Bristol GB United Kingdom (GB) Universität Wien / University of Vienna AT Austria (AT)

How to cite

APA:

Sun, Y., Farnsworth, A., Joachimski, M., Wignall, P.B., Krystyn, L., Bond, D.P.,... Valdes, P.J. (2024). Mega El Niño instigated the end-Permian mass extinction. Science, 385(6714), 1189-1195. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.ado2030

MLA:

Sun, Yadong, et al. "Mega El Niño instigated the end-Permian mass extinction." Science 385.6714 (2024): 1189-1195.

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