Two-pronged kill mechanism at the end-Triassic mass extinction

Abstract High-resolution biomarker and compound-specific isotope distributions coupled with the degradation of calcareous fossil remnants reveal that intensive euxinia decalcification (acidification) driven by Central Atlantic magmatic province (CAMP) activity formed a two-pronged kill mechanism at end-Triassic mass extinction. In newly proposed extinction interval for basal Blue Lias Formation (Bristol Channel Basin, UK), an episode persistent photic zone (PZE) extended further upward into surface waters. same interval, shelly taxa almost completely disappear. Beginning in paper shales Formation, Lilliput assemblage is preserved consisting only rare calcitic oysters (Liostrea) ghost fossils decalcified aragonitic bivalves. The stressors PZE parsimoniously explain event inform possible combined causes other biotic crises linked to emplacement large igneous provinces, notably end-Permian extinction, when occurred on broad perhaps global scale.