Calcium isotope constraints on the end-Permian mass extinction

The end-Permian mass extinction horizon is marked by an abrupt shift in style of carbonate sedimentation and a negative excursion in the carbon isotope (δ¹³C) composition of carbonate minerals. Several extinction scenarios consistent with these observations have been put forward. Secular variation in the calcium isotope (δ⁴⁴/⁴⁰Ca) composition of marine sediments provides a tool for distinguishing among these possibilities and thereby constraining the causes of mass extinction. Here we report δ⁴⁴/⁴⁰Ca across the Permian-Triassic boundary from marine limestone in south China. The δ⁴⁴/⁴⁰Ca exhibits a transient negative excursion of ~0.3[per thousand] over a few hundred thousand years or less, which we interpret to reflect a change in the global δ⁴⁴/⁴⁰Ca composition of seawater. CO₂-driven ocean acidification best explains the coincidence of the δ⁴⁴/⁴⁰Ca excursion with negative excursions in the δ¹³C of carbonates and organic matter and the preferential extinction of heavily calcified marine animals. Calcium isotope constraints on carbon cycle calculations suggest that the average δ¹³C of CO₂ released was heavier than -28[per thousand] and more likely near -15[per thousand]; these values indicate a source containing substantial amounts of mantle- or carbonate-derived carbon. Collectively, the results point toward Siberian Trap volcanism as the trigger of mass extinction.