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Enhanced reverse weathering following the eruption of Siberian Traps volcanism

reverse weathering,siberian traps volcamism

Theme 3: Earth-Life Co-evolution Through Time > Session 3g: Impact of Volcanism on the Habitability of the Earth

Strengthened silicate weathering is an expected consequence of large igneous province (LIP) emplacement, such as the Siberian Traps volcanism around 252 Ma, which coincided with the end-Permian mass extinction. Although physical weathering appears to have intensified due to global warming and a more vigorous hydrological cycle, proxy-based reconstructions of chemical weathering across the Permian–Triassic transition yield conflicting results. This raises the question of whether CO₂- and temperature-driven enhancement of chemical weathering was outpaced by the massive CO₂ emissions from the Siberian Traps, and potentially exacerbated by enhanced reverse weathering. However, quantitative assessments of changes in chemical weathering rates, CO₂ degassing, and reverse weathering remain limited, hindering a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic drivers behind the extinction event and its recovery. Here, I use an Earth system model of intermediate complexity (cGENIE) in combination with a data-driven approach to explore plausible ranges for chemical weathering, CO₂ degassing, and reverse weathering. This enables new insights into the dynamic interactions between LIPs and associated biotic and environmental responses.