Plume-induced emissions of deep methane linked to the end-Guadalupian mass extinction.
basic_science · Level V
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- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 40593845.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1038/s41467-025-61147-9 and PMC identifier 12217733.
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Abstract
Methane (CH<sub>4</sub>) is a potent greenhouse gas, and massive CH<sub>4</sub> emissions have the capacity to cause rapid and catastrophic climate effects. Here we report findings of large amounts of CH<sub>4</sub> occurring as an important vapor phase in melt inclusions trapped by magmas in the plume-related Permian Emeishan large igneous province (LIP). Lines of evidence indicate that the CH<sub>4</sub> is dominantly abiogenic and primarily had a mantle origin. Undegassed magmas are estimated to contain ~ 0.03% (by weight) CH<sub>4</sub>, which coincides with the relatively low oxygen fugacities of primary Emeishan LIP magmas. Our findings demonstrate that abiogenic CH<sub>4</sub> can be generated in the mantle sources of a plume-related LIP, and that such CH<sub>4</sub> could be brought into the surface by LIP magmatism and lead to strong warming. Quantitative models suggest that release of magmatic CH<sub>4</sub> in the Emeishan LIP (7.4 × 10<sup>3</sup> Gt) had a significant contribution to the end-Guadalupian mass extinction.