Paleomagnetic analysis reveals oceanic isolation modulated regional hydroclimate in the eastern Pangean margin, indicating continental drift can override global climate drivers.
Key Points
Investigate the primary drivers of alternating arid and humid sedimentary cycles along the eastern margin of Pangea to resolve the late Paleozoic model-sediment paradox.
Obtained and analyzed high-quality ca. 315 Ma paleomagnetic data from the Xilinhot-Songliao block to reconstruct its tectonic drift trajectory from 315 to 265 Ma.
Correlated paleolatitude reconstructions with sedimentary proxy records documenting an environmental red-gray-red oscillation across the block.
Expansion of the Hegenshan Ocean to a width of ~2300 km by ca. 300 Ma drove tectonic decoupling from Pangea, replacing megamonsoonal red beds with open-marine carbonate deposition.
Subsequent continental reattachment between 280 and 265 Ma rapidly restored arid megamonsoonal conditions despite continuous global icehouse conditions.