Paleoceanographic and paleoclimatic context of Early Triassic time

Abstract

The Early Triassic interval is dominated by unusual oceanic and climatic conditions that are perhaps unique to the Phanerozoic. Early Triassic oceans were likely anoxic and possibly alkaline while climate during the period was dominated by the expansion of deserts and the migration of warm, moist conditions to high Southern Hemisphere latitudes. Atmospheric O 2 levels apparently decreased during the period while CO 2 levels increased. The unusual and severe nature of many aspects of Early Triassic oceans and climate likely played a role in determining the timing and shape of the biotic recovery from the Permian–Triassic mass extinction. To cite this article: A.D. Woods, C. R. Palevol 4 (2005) .