Permian thermal pulse event in Southwestern China and its resource and environment effects

Abstract

The Emeishan large igneous province (LIP) in Southwestern China and Northern Vietnam is thought to have been a potential driver for the biotic crises and paleoclimatic changes at the Guadalupian-Lopingian boundary (GLB; Permian). Here, we revealed the thermal pulse event induced by the Emeishan LIP and its impact on the fossil energy formation and episodic carbon changes. Southwestern China experienced a pulsating high thermal anomaly lasting 10 Myrs in the mid-Permian, which accelerated the maturation of source rocks, producing mass high-temperature methane emissions. The Emeishan LIP caused large amounts of gases and volcanic ash emissions, which affected the Lopingain organic carbon enrichment. CO2 degassing type changed as the LIP emplacement evolved and the transition from a thermogenic CO2 source to the volcanic carbon source may contribute to two episodes of carbon isotope changes.