Triassic Extinction: Unveiling Recurrent Key Drivers

New study links marine large igneous provinces to at least four major Triassic extinction events

Jan. 27, 2026 at 10:23pm

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A new study published in Geology has found that marine large igneous province (LIP) eruptions were a key driver of at least four major extinction events during the Triassic period, accounting for half of the extinctions with an identifiable geological trigger. The researchers analyzed geological records of Triassic marine LIP episodes and demonstrated a correlation between these events and the resultant anoxic-euxinic conditions that led to mass marine biota extinctions.

Why it matters

Understanding the key drivers behind mass extinction events is crucial for developing more accurate Earth system models and predicting future environmental changes. This study suggests that marine LIP eruptions, which have been under-recognized in the past, may constitute a significant factor in other Phanerozoic extinctions as well.

The details

The researchers examined oceanic island, seamount, and plateau remnants in the Tibetan Plateau that trace the evolution of the Meso- and Neo-Tethys, incorporating new and published data. They found that during the Triassic, three major episodes of marine LIP formation occurred at 250–248, 233–231, and 210–208 million years ago. By integrating these geological records with Triassic extinction data, the team demonstrated a clear correlation between the marine LIP events and at least four major extinction episodes in marine biota, driven by the resulting anoxic-euxinic conditions.

  • The three major episodes of marine large igneous province (LIP) formation occurred at 250–248, 233–231, and 210–208 million years ago during the Triassic period.
  • The study found that these marine LIP events were linked to at least four major extinction episodes in marine biota during the Triassic.

The players

Jian-Jun Fan

The lead author of the study published in Geology that analyzed the link between marine LIP eruptions and Triassic extinction events.

Geological Society of America (GSA)

A global professional society with more than 17,000 members across over 100 countries, advancing the understanding of Earth's dynamic processes and fostering collaboration among scientists, educators, and policymakers.

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What they’re saying

“This destruction renders such records difficult to identify and, even when identified, challenging to interpret and date precisely.”

— Jian-Jun Fan (Geology)

The takeaway

This study highlights the significant role that marine large igneous province eruptions played in driving at least four major extinction events during the Triassic period, accounting for half of the extinctions with an identifiable geological trigger. The findings suggest that these marine LIP events may have been a key, but previously under-recognized, driver of other Phanerozoic extinctions as well, underscoring the need for more comprehensive Earth system models.