Discovery of the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum in shallow-marine sediments of the Xigaze forearc basin, Tibet: A record of enhanced extreme precipitation and siliciclastic sediment flux

The Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM, ~56 Ma) was one of the major global deep-time hyperthermal events past. Studies shallow-marine PETM records are crucial to understand continental hydrological response current warming. This study presents first detailed documentation in Xigaze forearc basin located along northern active margin eastern Tethys Ocean, and illustrates associated environmental changes. Based on carbon-isotope stratigraphy, foraminiferal biostratigraphy, zircon UPb chronostratigraphy, event identified within a siliciclastic unit largely calcareous Jialazi Formation. Foraminiferal assemblages Shallow Benthic Zone 4 present below unit, but replaced by 6 above unit. High-resolution microfacies analysis indicates that pre-PETM deposits consist carbonate-ramp sediments followed sudden change syn-PETM rocks, turn renewed post-PETM deposition. supply increased notably during PETM, as indicated thickness both sandstone shale intervals, resulting temporary demise carbonate ramp. Provenance does not indicate any source areas terrigenous detritus through early Paleogene. Increasing is thus chiefly ascribed intensification seasonal precipitation consequently circulation Gangdese arc event.