Showing papers on "Permian published in 2023"

Global Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) for the base-Artinskian Stage (Lower Permian)

Abstract: Valery V. Chernykh, Charles M. Henderson, Ruslan V. Kutygin, Tatiana V. Filimonova, Guzal M. Sungatullina, Marina S. Afanasieva, Tatiana N. Isakova, Rafael Kh. Sungatullin, Michael H. Stephenson, Lucia Angiolini, Boris I. Chuvashov. Episodes -0001;0:. https://doi.org/10.18814/epiiugs/2023/023015

A Mesozoic fossil lagerstätte from 250.8 million years ago shows a modern-type marine ecosystem

Abstract: Finely preserved fossil assemblages (lagerstätten) provide crucial insights into evolutionary innovations in deep time. We report an exceptionally preserved Early Triassic fossil assemblage, the Guiyang Biota, from the Daye Formation near Guiyang, South China. High-precision uranium-lead dating shows that the age of the Guiyang Biota is 250.83 +0.07/–0.06 million years ago. This is only 1.08 ± 0.08 million years after the severe Permian-Triassic mass extinction, and this assemblage therefore represents the oldest known Mesozoic lagerstätte found so far. The Guiyang Biota comprises at least 12 classes and 19 orders, including diverse fish fauna and malacostracans, revealing a trophically complex marine ecosystem. Therefore, this assemblage demonstrates the rapid rise of modern-type marine ecosystems after the Permian-Triassic mass extinction. Description Mass extinction rebellion The Triassic recovery of life from the devastating end-Permian mass extinction was an amazing period of evolution. Whether biodiversity had to rebuild from near annihilation or from refugia is a matter of conjecturebut recovery heralded the development of recognizably modern ecosystems. Dai et al. present examples of diverse fishes, ammonoids, bivalves, protists, and malacostracan arthropods from a fossil site dated approximately 1 million years after the crisis. These fossil assemblages, particularly the presence of vertebrate predators, reveal a surprisingly early diversity of animals after the end-Permian mass extinction. —CA and SNV The Guiyang Biota fossil assemblage reveals the rapid rise of a modern-type marine ecosystem after the Permian-Triassic mass extinction.

Mercury evidence from southern Pangea terrestrial sections for end-Permian global volcanic effects

Abstract: The latest Permian mass extinction (LPME) was triggered by magmatism of the Siberian Traps Large Igneous Province (STLIP), which left an extensive record of sedimentary Hg anomalies at Northern Hemisphere and tropical sites. Here, we present Hg records from terrestrial sites in southern Pangea, nearly antipodal to contemporaneous STLIP activity, providing insights into the global distribution of volcanogenic Hg during this event and its environmental processing. These profiles (two from Karoo Basin, South Africa; two from Sydney Basin, Australia) exhibit significant Hg enrichments within the uppermost Permian extinction interval as well as positive Δ199Hg excursions (to ~0.3‰), providing evidence of long-distance atmospheric transfer of volcanogenic Hg. These results demonstrate the far-reaching effects of the Siberian Traps as well as refine stratigraphic placement of the LPME interval in the Karoo Basin at a temporal resolution of ~105 years based on global isochronism of volcanogenic Hg anomalies.

A regional geological overview of the upper permian zechstein supergroup (z1 to z3) in the sw margin of the southern north sea and onshore eastern england

Abstract: The Upper Permian Zechstein Supergroup has the potential to play an important role in the UK's future energy production and energy transition. However the Supergroup is comparatively poorly understood in the UK, particularly the link between the onshore and offshore geology. In this paper we re‐evaluate available data in order to present a consistent regional interpretation of the Z1 to Z3 Zechstein Supergroup cycles. This review is based on an interpretation and re‐evaluation of 620 offshore wells located in the UK portion of the SW Southern North Sea and 83 onshore wells located in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire (eastern England). The Zechstein Supergroup was interpreted in each well, and the data was used to compile seven SW‐NE oriented correlation panels which show the development of the Supergroup in the study region. Five isopach maps for key formations in the Zechstein Supergroup were created, together with depositional environment maps for each of the main Zechstein carbonate formations. In combination, these regional‐scale maps and diagrams have resulted in a consistent interpretation of the Zechstein Supergroup over an area which extends from the onshore outcrop in the west to the UKCS boundary in the Southern North Sea in the east.

The earliest pollen-loaded insects from the Lower Permian of Russia

Abstract: Recent fossil discoveries suggest that the coevolution of insect pollinators and gymnosperms started long before the appearance of flowering plants. One of the keys to understanding the origins of pollination relationships is fossil insects with gymnosperm pollen attached to the body surface. Such fossils are exceedingly rare to find, especially from the Palaeozoic, a time when ambers with insect inclusions were absent. Here, we report compression fossils of Early Permian tillyardembiid insects (Polyneoptera) preserved with pollen on their heads, thoraces, legs and abdomens. This is the earliest finding of pollen-bearing insects, predating the previous oldest record from the Middle Jurassic by ca 120 Ma. Judging by the pollen composition, tillyardembiids visited a narrow range of host plants, including Rufloriaceae (Cordaitales). While it is impossible to say for certain whether tillyardembiids as pollen consumers contributed to pollination, a trophic specialization of this kind could be considered an evolutionary precursor of pollination mutualism.

Pennsylvanian age plant macrofossil biostratigraphy in tropical Pangea: Uniformitarianism, catastrophes, and the “Cantabrian” problem

Abstract: Late Carboniferous stages in terrestrial strata are consistently recognizable throughout the Euramerican Realm based on the ranges of plant macrofossils rather than named biozones. Uniformitarianism is an invaluable principle used to understand much of Earth's history. However, it has been recognized that relatively short time intervals exist when major changes occurred in the biota and sedimentation style at a non-uniformitarian time scale. Many well defined Late Carboniferous stage boundaries are located at such events. The Cantabrian Stage was proposed in 1969 based on the assumption that the “Florensprung” (“floral jump”) of Gothan, a dramatic change in terrestrial floras at the traditional Westphalian-Stephanian boundary, indicated that strata were missing, and the postulated “gap” had to be closed by finding strata representing this “missing” time elsewhere. The suggestion of a “gap” or hiatus at this level reflects uniformitarian thinking, but is incorrect. As recent work has shown, a drastic climate change reached a threshold in the tropical paleoequatorial parts of Pangea at the Westphalian-Stephanian (approximately the Moscovian-Kasimovian) boundary as a consequence of this drying trend, floras changed rapidly, and the traditional Westphalian-Stephanian boundary is one of the most easily recognizable biostratigraphic boundaries in Pennsylvanian terrestrial beds. The Cantabrian Stage, proposed to fill the non-existent gap, does not exist and cannot be recognized, either in its type area or elsewhere.

Sedimentology, palaeogeography and diagenesis of the upper permian (z2) hauptdolomit formation on the southern margin of the mid north sea high and implications for reservoir prospectivity

Abstract: This paper provides an updated understanding of the reservoir stratigraphy, sedimentology, palaeogeography and diagenesis of the Upper Permian Hauptdolomit Formation of the Zechstein Supergroup (“Hauptdolomit”) in a study area on the southern margin of the Mid North Sea High. The paper is based on the examination and description of core and cuttings data from 25 wells which were integrated with observations based on existing and new 3D seismic.

Detrital modes of buried Permian sandstones of the Puglia 1 well (Puglia Region, Southern Italy)

Abstract: Permian siliciclastic input, around Mediterranean region, recorded a frame of Pangaea supercontinent breakup. Apulia region had registered it in a sedimentary cycle during final Paleotethys closure and subsequent Neotethys opening, after Variscan orogenesis. Here is provided a compositional insight of Permian siliciclastic succession intercepted in an explorative well log, Puglia 1 well, up to 6110 m till 7070 m in depth, of ENI’s property. The succession, about 760 m in thickness, consists of sandstone, mudstone and breccia. Sandstones are quartzolithic with quartz and metasedimentary lithic fragments abundance, while diagenetic minerals consist of ankerite, dolomite and calcite cements (related to dedolomitization-calcitization processes of the first carbonates), with iron oxides. The resultant provenance is related to eroded Devonian-Carboniferous Variscan orogen, where metasedimentary rocks occur both in Calabria-Peloritani, southern Alps and internal domains of the Circum-Mediterranean orogenic belts.

Physiological selectivity and plant-environment feedbacks during Middle and Late Pennsylvanian plant community transitions

Abstract: A series of vegetation changes take place in tropical ecosystems during the Pennsylvanian SubPeriod. The most notable change, recognizable from palynology and plant macrofossils at the Middle and Late Pennsylvanian boundary in the Illinois Basin, is the extirpation, or local extinction, of certain lineages of arborescent lycopsids, followed by their replacement by stem group marattialean tree ferns. The leading hypothesis suggests a significant change in precipitation regime as the cause. To test this hypothesis, we examine the vascular anatomy and physiology of key lineages of Pennsylvanian plants: the sphenopsids, tree ferns, cordaitaleans, medullosans, lycophytes, and extrabasinal stem group coniferophytes. Using scanning electron and light microscopy of fossilized anatomy, we provide new data on these plants' vascular systems, quantifying their physiological capacity and drought resistance. We find that three Pennsylvanian plant lineages-the medullosans, arborescent lycopsids, and Sphenophyllum -contain high hydraulic conductivity but are vulnerable to drought-induced damage, whereas others are resistant, including stem group tree ferns and coniferophytes. Relative abundance changes among these plants were likely driven by drought, and differences in water use efficiency would have amplified drought events as plant communities changed. The interaction of physiological selectivity and positive feedback between aridity and drought tolerance likely played a significant role in Late Paleozoic floral changes. Supplementary material at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.6392423

Salt tectonics in intracontinental sedimentary basins: Triassic – Jurassic salt movement in the Baltic sector of the North German Basin and its relation to post-Permian regional tectonics

Abstract: The formation and structural evolution of complex intracontinental basins, like the North German Basin, mark fundamental earth processes. Understanding these is not only essential to basic research but also of socioeconomic importance because of the multitude of resources, potential hazards and subsurface use capability in such basins. As part of the Central European Basin System, major subsidence and structural differentiation affected the Baltic sector of the North German Basin in Permian to Jurassic times. A dense network of high-resolution 2D seismic data together with nearby wells allow creating regional maps with refined stratigraphic subdivision of unprecedented spatial resolution covering the bays of Kiel and Mecklenburg (Baltic Sea). Cross sections along the basin margin allow reconstructing the structural evolution of the Zechstein salt and its overburden. At the northern basin margin, near the Kegnaes Diapir, thinning of the Buntsandstein and divergent reflectors indicate Early Triassic faulting and salt movement. In the Late Triassic, tectonic activity increased as expressed by the onset of salt movement in the northeastern Glückstadt Graben, major growth of the Kegnaes Diapir and faulting at the northeastern basin margin during deposition of the Keuper (Erfurt, Grabfeld, Stuttgart and Weser formations). At the northeastern basin margin, we interpret the accumulation of Keuper and Jurassic deposits as an infill of a local sub-basin bordered by the Werre Fault Zone and Agricola Fault System. Between the Glückstadt Graben and the northeastern basin margin, the Eastholstein-Mecklenburg Block formed a more stable area, where salt movement first began during the latest Triassic. In the peripheral part of the basin, salt movement was triggered by thin-skinned extension associated with thick-skinned faulting within the axial parts of major graben systems. Indications for gravity gliding are absent. Reactive diapirism is restricted to the basin margin, where reduced overburden thickness and Late Triassic erosion allowed diapiric breakthrough.

The upper permian zechstein supergroup of ne england and the adjacent southern north sea: a review of its role in the uk's energy transition

Abstract: As the United Kingdom reduces its CO2 emissions in order to meet its 2050 net zero greenhouse gas targets, there will be a significant evolution of the UK's energy mix. The reliance on hydrocarbons will decrease while there is predicted to be an increase in low carbon energy sources such as renewables and nuclear. In order to decarbonise and achieve the net zero emissions targets while concurrently producing enough energy to provide for national energy needs, large‐scale, low carbon energy generation projects need to be developed alongside energy storage facilities to provide flexibility within a low carbon energy supply. Robust CCUS programmes will need be developed in order to capture and store unavoidable carbon dioxide emissions. The subsurface geology of the UK provides opportunities for the development of low carbon energy generation, energy storage and CCS, and the Upper Permian Zechstein Supergroup deposited in eastern England and offshore in the Southern North Sea is a potential host for these new developments. In NE England, salt cavern gas storage sites have been developed in thick Zechstein evaporites since the mid 20th centrury. In this paper we present new isopach maps and well correlation panels which will help to outline optimal locations for the development of additional salt caverns for gas storage. A review of the Zechstein Supergroup indicates that it does not exhibit great potential for the development of CCS, due both to its complex reservoir characteristics and to difficulties with both subsurface imaging and monitoring. However thick Zechstein evaporites could provide an excellent seal for CO2 storage in the underlying Lower Permian Rotliegend Group.

The postcranial anatomy of Gorgonops torvus (Synapsida, Gorgonopsia) from the late Permian of South Africa

Abstract: Gorgonopsians are among the most recognizable groups of synapsids from the Permian period and have an extensive but mostly cranial fossil record. By contrast, relatively little is known about their postcranial anatomy. Here, we describe a nearly complete, semi-articulated skeleton of a gorgonopsian (identified as Gorgonops torvus) from the late Permian Endothiodon Assemblage Zone of the South African Karoo Basin and discuss its paleobiological implications. Known gorgonopsian postcrania indicate morphological conservatism in the group, but the skeletal anatomy of Gorgonops does differ from that of other gorgonopsians in some respects, such as in the triangular radiale and short terminal phalanges in the manus, and a weakly developed distinction between pubis and ischium in ventral aspect of the pelvic girdle. Similarities between the specimen described herein and a historically problematic specimen originally referred to “Scymnognathus cf. whaitsi” confirm referral of the latter specimen to Gorgonops. Since descriptions of gorgonopsian postcrania are rare, new interpretations of the lifestyle and ecology of Gorgonopsia can be drawn from our contribution. We conclude that gorgonopsians were likely ambush predators, able to chase their prey over short distances and pin them down with strong forelimbs before using their canines for the kill. This is evidenced by their different fore- and hindlimb morphology; the former stouter and more robust in comparison to the longer, more gracile, back legs. Furthermore, the completeness of the study specimen facilitates calculation of an estimated body mass of approximately 98 kg, similar to that of a modern lioness.

Widespread Frequent Methane Emissions From the Oil and Gas Industry in the Permian Basin

Abstract: Emissions of methane (CH4) in the Permian basin (USA) have been derived for 2019 and 2020 from satellite observations of the Tropospheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) using the divergence method, in combination with a data driven method to estimate the background column densities. The resulting CH4 emission data, which have been verified using model data with known emissions, have a spatial resolution of approximately 10 km. The CH4 emissions show moderate spatial correlation with the locations of oil and gas production and drilling activities in the Permian basin, as well as with emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx). Analysis of the emission maps and time series indicates that a significant fraction of methane emissions in the Permian basin is from frequent widespread emissions sources, rather than from a few infrequent very large unplanned releases, which is important considering possible CH4 emission mitigation strategies. In addition to providing spatially resolved emissions, the divergence method also provides the total emissions of the Permian basin and its main sub-basins. The total CH4 emission of the Permian is estimated as 3.0 ± 0.7 Tg yr−1 for 2019, which agrees with other independent estimates based on TROPOMI data. For the Delaware sub-basin, it is estimated as 1.4 ± 0.3 Tg yr−1 for 2019, and for the Midland sub-basin 1.2 ± 0.3 Tg yr−1. In 2020 the emissions are 9% lower compared to 2019 in the entire Permian basin, and respectively 19% and 27% for the Delaware and Midland sub-basins.

The Fractured Permian Reservoir and Its Significance in the Gas Exploitation in the Sichuan Basin, China

Abstract: Large gas reserves have been found in the Permian platform margin of the Kaijiang-Liangping area of the Sichuan Basin in SW China. They are assumed to be a widely developed reef–shoal reservoir. However, the tight matrix reservoir cannot support high gas production using conventional development technology at deep subsurface. In this contribution, we analyze the fractured reservoirs along the strike-slip fault zones using the compiled data of cores, well logging, and production data, and provide a seismic description. It was shown that the fractures and their dissolution developed along the strike-slip fault zones. The porosity and permeability of the fractured reservoir could increase by more than one and 1–2 orders of magnitude, respectively. The seismic anisotropic energy found in the steerable pyramid process suggests that fractured reservoirs have a strong heterogeneity, with a localized fault damage zone. This fracturing has both positive and negative effects, showing varied reservoir parameters in the fault damage zone. The development pattern should adopt a non-uniform well pattern, in order to target the localized “sweet spot” of the fractures in these deep tight matrix reservoirs.