Late Triassic climate in southernmost Parana Basin (Brazil): evidence from dendrochronological data

Abstract

Dendrochronological methods were used to study a fossil wood assemblage identified as Sommerxylon spiralosus Pires et Guerra-Sommer from outcropping sandstone fluvial sequences (Late Triassic of southernmost Parana Basin, Brazil). The climate signal from fossil woods, supported by sedimentary evidence, indicates a seasonal climate. Analysis of preserved growth rings has yielded information about the peridiodicity of growth related to seasonal cycles. The growth phase in each cycle developed at a slow rate, and the growing period was relatively uniform; in contrast, the periodic phases of growth restriction were not very extensive. These seasonal cycles were interrupted by occasional droughts during the growth season, reflected by the presence of false growth rings. These data match recent global climate patterns from the Late Triassic.