What did Earth look like in the Permian? (298.9–251.902 Ma)

Key events of this period

• Capitanian Extinction

  260 Ma

  Around 260 million years ago, the Capitanian crisis preceded the end-Permian mass extinction. Emeishan volcanism is a leading explanation for associated warming and oxygen loss; rock records indicate two episodes of marine crisis.

  References: Global oceanic anoxia linked with the Capitanian (Middle Permian) marine mass extinction

• Permian Extinction

  252 Ma

  Around 252 million years ago, immense Siberian volcanism helped drive rapid warming and ocean oxygen loss. Warmer water held less oxygen while animals needed more, creating a deadly squeeze during Earth’s largest mass extinction.

  References: Biggest extinction in Earth’s history caused by global warming leaving ocean animals gasping for breath — University of Washington · Estimates of the magnitudes of major marine mass extinctions in earth history