Sedimentology of the latest Permian to Early Triassic in the terrestrial settings of the North China Basin: Low-latitude climate change during a warming-driven crisis

Abstract In terrestrial settings, the Permo-Triassic mass extinction is commonly linked to major changes in sedimentological and climatic conditions that include a switch from meandering braided fluvial systems increased aridity. We examined predominantly strata of North China reveal that, on contrary, there was little substantial change during extinction. The crisis level occurs upper Sunjiagou Formation, where range environments, including low-sinuosity rivers, distally terminating alluvial fans, mud-dominated coastal plains are recorded. A occurred slightly higher, within lowest Triassic, involved shallow lacustrine/fluviodeltaic Liujiagou Formation. Later Early fine-grained, playa lake, plain facies became widespread (Heshanggou Formation). Paleosols present throughout basin fill record transition Aridisols Vertisols Late Permian Inceptisols Triassic followed by gleyed Aridisols, Vertisols, later Triassic. Previously reported aeolian Lower were not encountered this study unlikely have given prevalence lacustrine at time. Overall, Basin experienced an increase seasonal rainfall latest base-level rise introduced marine into southwest basin. During or interannual frequent, with strong evaporation hot climate. environments China, but despite earlier claims studies elsewhere, no abrupt styles around