Latitude impacts continental acidity, biotic crisis and recovery.

Abstract

Abstract Volcanism from large igneous provinces leads to increases in the Earth’s surface temperature and acidity, thus triggering mass extinction events. However, the dependence of acidity on latitudinal position has remained underexplored and is key to better understand, and react to, global environmental changes today. Here, we study biotic recovery after the catastrophic end-Permian mass extinction, in Early Triassic continental environments. We quantify strontium-rich hydrated aluminum phosphate-sulfate minerals in 179 samples from tropical to circumpolar paleolatitudes in both hemispheres. We provide evidence that latitude controls acidity and its impact on biotic recovery. Subequatorial latitudes concentrate volcanic aerosols through wind circulation patterns, enhancing the impact of acidity on the environment. In contrast, high latitudes provide refuge against environmental change, hosting accelerated recovery after the end-Permian biotic crisis.