Characteristic and paleoenvironment significance of microbially induced sedimentary structures (MISS) in terrestrial facies across P-T boundary in Western Henan Province, North China

Abstract

We report varied microbially induced sedimentary structures (MISS), and other sedimentary surface textures, from the Induan (Early Triassic) Sunjiagou Formation and Liujiagou Formation in the Xingyang, Dengfeng, Jiyuan and Yiyang areas, western Henan Province, North China. Microanalysis shows that these MISS are characterized by a U-shaped structure, thin clayey laminae, and discontinuous mica sheet that are arranged parallel to the bedding plane, as well as directionally oriented quartz grains floating in lamina, which are indicative of a biogenic origin. The MISS of the studied area were probably affected by four main factors, including the end-Permian mass extinction, the megamonsoon, the adapted sedimentary environment, and the sediment supply, and they possess significant stratigraphic correlation. Abundant microbial-related sedimentary structures from the study area indicate that continental ecosystems were severely devastated in the aftermath of the Permian-Triassic biocrisis. These sedimentary structure assemblages, including MISS, red beds, conglomerate layers, and calcareous concretions in the western Henan Province, show a specific, post-extinction continental ecosystem that was characterized by microflora dominance, monotonous and rare fossils, extreme hot climate, soil ecosystem devastation, and poor vegetation.

Keywords

• miss
• continental ecosystem
• the end-permian mass extinction
• controlling factors