The Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

2027 Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

January 12-15, 2027

Magnesium isotopes reveal hydroclimatically amplified low-latitude weathering during the early Toarcian
ID:304 Oral Presentation

2027-01-12 15:35 (China Standard Time)

Session:Session 35 - Ocean-climate dynamics through Earth history: integrating proxies, modeling, and data science

Abstract
The Toarcian Stage of the Early Jurassic experienced extreme global warming, marine anoxia, hydrological intensification, and enhanced continental weathering driven by carbon emissions. Low-latitude silicate weathering, a key climate regulator, is highly sensitive to climatic shifts, yet its response to Toarcian warming remains poorly understood. We present magnesium isotopes (δ26Mg) from carbonate-hosted silicates (acid-insoluble residues) in two geographically distinct, low-latitude carbonate platforms. Positive δ26Mg excursions, indicative of intensified continental weathering, are observed immediately following the Pliensbachian–Toarcian (Pl–To) boundary, temporally coincident with Karoo Large Igneous Province (LIP) emplacement. δ26Mg values reach maxima during the onset interval of the T-OAE (Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event) negative carbon-isotope excursion (NCIE), temporally coincident with Ferrar LIP activity. The δ26Mg pattern suggests that carbon emissions around Pl–To boundary time did not immediately induce maximum weathering. Rather, cumulative carbon emissions were required to surpass a critical tipping point just above the Pl–To NCIE, triggering a weathering intensification that culminated during the T-OAE NCIE onset interval. Our data, coupled with climate simulations using the Community Earth System Model, indicate that in tectonically inactive regions, elevated temperatures and extreme runoff caused severe soil stripping, exposing the underlying bedrock to intense chemical weathering.
 
Speaker
Zhong Han Chinese Academy of Sciences;Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology

Author
Zhong Han Chinese Academy of Sciences;Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology

    Important Dates

    • Jan 30

      2026

      Session / Event proposals open

    • Mar 31

      2026

      Session / Event proposals close
      (Extended to April 7)

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Session acceptance notifications

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions & registration open

    • Jun 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions close
      (Extended to July 21)

    • Aug 31

      2026

      Abstract acceptance notifications

    • Sep 15

      2026

      Scientific program released

    • Oct 15

      2026

      Early bird registration closes

    • Jan 12–15

      2027

      XMAS 2027