Articles | Volume 22, issue 8
https://doi.org/10.5194/cp-22-1481-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/cp-22-1481-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
06 Aug 2026
Research article |
| 06 Aug 2026
| 06 Aug 2026
Permian-Triassic redox shift and its ferruginous aftermath in epicontinental seas
Fen Yang
Institute of Karst Geology, CAGS/Key Laboratory of Karst Dynamics, MNR & GZAR/International Research Center on Karst under the Auspices of UNESCO, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, China
Pingguo Guangxi, Karst Ecosystem, National Observation and Research Station, Pingguo, Guangxi 531406, China
Sen Li
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
State Key Laboratory of Geomicrobiology and Environmental Changes, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
Stephen E. Grasby
Geological Survey of Canada, 3303-33rd Street NW, Calgary, Alberta T2L 2A7, Canada
David P. G. Bond
School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Hull, Hull, HU6 7RX, United Kingdom
Ming Pan
Institute of Karst Geology, CAGS/Key Laboratory of Karst Dynamics, MNR & GZAR/International Research Center on Karst under the Auspices of UNESCO, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, China
Pingguo Guangxi, Karst Ecosystem, National Observation and Research Station, Pingguo, Guangxi 531406, China
Yadong Sun
State Key Laboratory of Geomicrobiology and Environmental Changes, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
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Yong Du, Huyue Song, Thomas J. Algeo, Hui Zhang, Jianwei Peng, Yuyang Wu, Jiankang Lai, Xiang Shu, Hanchen Song, Lai Wei, Jincheng Zhang, Eva E. Stüeken, Stephen E. Grasby, Jacopo Dal Corso, Xiaokang Liu, Daoliang Chu, Li Tian, Qingzhong Liang, Xinchuan Li, Hong Yao, and Haijun Song
Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 18, 675–690, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-18-675-2026, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-18-675-2026, 2026
Short summary
Short summary
This study presents a global database of nitrogen isotope data from ancient ocean sediments, covering Earth's history from the present back to billions of years ago. The database includes over 70 000 nitrogen isotope records from 417 studies, along with essential geological context and related chemical data. This database will help reveal the mechanisms behind critical events like mass extinctions and major ocean changes, enhancing our understanding of Earth's long-term environmental processes.
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Short summary
The end-Permian mass extinction was the most severe loss of life in Earth history, yet the role of ocean oxygen restriction remains debated. We examined rock records from South China and western Canada to track redox conditions before and after the crisis. Oxygen levels were already low prior to the extinction, and widespread seafloor anoxia developed at its peak. Afterwards, ferruginous conditions dominated, reducing nutrient availability, limiting productivity, and slowing life’s recovery.
The end-Permian mass extinction was the most severe loss of life in Earth history, yet the role...
