Volcanism at the Permian‐Triassic Boundary in South China and Its Effects on Mass Extinction

Abstract

Abstract This paper discusses the clayrocks widespread at the Permian‐Triassic boundary, which are mostly of volcanic origin. Volcanogenetic textures, structures and minerals such as high‐temperature quartz are found in clayrocks at the Permian‐Triassic boundary in many places. Thousands of microspherules have been collected from the Boundary clayrocks, many of which exhibit the typical features of the process from melting to cooling and solidification, indicating that they were formed by volcanic eruption or extraterrestrial impact. Volcanic effects on the Permian‐ Triassic mass extinction may be reflected in conodonts, algae and ammonoids. The Boundary clayrocks are found in many Permian‐ Triassic sections along the coast of Tethys. Their orighin remains to be studied.