Permo-Triassic boundary research

The End-Permian Mass Extinction (EPME) is generally regarded as the largest mass extinction in Phanerozoic history. In marine strata the main extinction event is well-constrained and has been radiometrically-dated to an interval of some 60 ky, approximately 251.9 million years ago. However, the age and duration of the EPME in the terrestrial realm, as well as its possible synchronicity with that of the marine realm, is debated. During this field trip, we aim to shed light on issues pertaining to the identification and position of the terrestrial EPME in southern Africa. Using sedimentological (facies sequences), palaeontological (biostratigraphic ranges), and detrital zircon (ID-TIMS) data from several sites around Bethulie, Free State of the South African Karoo Basin. The significance of the fossil collection is to locate Triassic fossils just above the palaeontologically defined Permo-Triassic boundary where Lystrosaurus maccaigi specimens have recently been found. This species was previously thought to be Permian. We want to confirm this interval as Triassic, not only through dating, but through fossil collection.

The sites are transitional that include both Permian and Triassic strata:
Permian Daptocephalus Assemblage Zone and Triassic Lystrosaurus declivis Assemblage Zone (Balfour and Katberg formations, see figures):
Nooitgedacht 68
Geluksfontein 204
Droogefontein 176
Bethel