Astronomically forced cycles in Middle Permian fluvial sediments from Karoo Basin (South Africa)

We report evidence for Milankovitch cycles discovered in Middle Permian strata of the fluvial Abrahamskraal formation, lower Beaufort Group, Karoo Basin Northern Cape Province, South Africa. Statistical analyses ranked lithologies and major element oxides have been used to obtain clusters elements that capture lithological variations reflect changes sedimentary environment through time. Spectral analysis these elemental statistical groups reveal significant meter-scale 67 m, 17.5 5.9 m 3.5–2.8 which can be interpreted as expression astronomical forcing, based on available estimate sedimentation rate. The identified periods short-eccentricity, precession obliquity show a good match with those predicted times, providing data-based validation theory. Cycle counting integrated U Pb dating, provides cyclochronological calibration Wordian normal magnetozones and, combined radiometric ages, indicates an age 266.5 ± 0.26 Ma end Kiaman superchron. Recognition orbitally driven Gondwana supercontinent suggest global extension influence climate confirms empirical knowledge Earth's parameters before 260 million years ago. new data demonstrate rare case astronomically paced cyclicity deposits unique cyclostratigraphic record whose reflects orbitally-paced precipitation changes. • First interior supercontinent. Fluvial controlled by Validate Ma. Combined Cyclostratigraphic length GU1n/r (Wordian) magnetochrons.