Linking Siberian Traps LIP Emplacement and End-Permian Mass Extinction: Evidence from Magnetic Stratigraphy of the Maymecha-Kotuy Volcanic Section

Abstract

The Siberian Traps Large Igneous Provinces (LIP) emplacement is considered as one of possible triggers for the end-Permian global biotic crisis. However, relative timing of the onset of extinction and the main phase of the magmatic activity are not yet accurately constrained. We present the detailed paleomagnetic data for the thickest composite section of the Siberian Traps volcanics, located in the Maymecha-Kotuy region. The major part of the Maymecha-Kotuy section erupted in the beginning of Early Triassic period and postdate came the onset of the biotic crisis. However, the initial pulse of volcanic activity in this region took place at the end of the Permian period, and likely preceded the extinction event, being nearly coeval to the lowest part of tuff-lava sequence of Norilsk. The suggested correlation scheme of volcanic sections from different regions of the Siberian platform shows that explosive and extrusive events foregoing the onset of extinction can be identified in almost all regions of the Siberian Traps LIP. Finally, we estimate the total duration of magmatic activity in the Maymecha-Kotuy region as ~2 Myr and assume that this lasted after the termination of eruptions in other parts of the Siberian platform.

Keywords

• Siberian traps
• large igneous province
• mass extinction
• volcanic activity
• magnetic stratigraphy
• paleomagnetism