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129-30 Geochemical Evidence and Conodonts As Stratigraphic Markers for the Permian-Triassic Mass Extinction Event in Northern Utah

Session: 38th Annual Undergraduate Research Exhibition Sponsored by Sigma Gamma Epsilon


Poster Booth No.: 143

Presenting Author:

Sneha Maharjan

Authors:

Maharjan, Sneha1, Bussard, Kasie2, Pettey, Jefferson3, Ricks, Jaylen4, Gerber, Qai5, Nichols, Markelle6, Hope, Brook7, Foster, Jo8, Nay, Samuel9, Langevin, Susan10, Whitehead, Jamie11, Mosher, Loren Cameron12r> (1) Earth and Environmental Sciences, Salt Lake Community College, Salt Lake City, UT, USA, (2) Earth and Environmental Science, Salt Lake Community College, Salt Lake City, UT, USA, (3) Earth and Environmental Science, Salt Lake Community College, Salt Lake City, UT, USA, (4) Earth and Environmental Science, Salt Lake Community College, Salt Lake City, UT, USA, (5) Earth and Environmental Science, Salt Lake Community College, Salt Lake City, UT, USA, (6) Earth and Environmental Science, Salt Lake Community College, Salt Lake City, UT, USA, (7) Earth and Environmental Science, Salt Lake Community College, Salt Lake City, UT, USA, (8) Earth and Environmental Science, Salt Lake Community College, Salt Lake City, UT, USA, (9) Earth and Environmental Science, Salt Lake Community College, Salt Lake City, UT, USA, (10) Earth and Environmental Science, Salt Lake Community College, Salt Lake City, UT, USA, (11) Earth and Environmental Science, Salt Lake Community College, Salt Lake City, UT, USA, (12) Earth and Environmental Science, Salt Lake Community College, Salt Lake City, UT, USA,

Abstract:

The Permian-Triassic Great Extinction event left clear stratigraphic markers in its deposits, not only in the fossils but also in geochemical traces. The extinction event is represented in Northern Utah at the boundary between the Permian Park City Formation and the Triassic Dinwoody-Woodside Formation. Our study of conodonts from these strata in Northern Utah plus carbon isotope ratios and trace elements shows that all three of these stratigraphic markers can be used to identify the Great Extinction Event in Northern Utah strata. We have collected samples from sections of this boundary near Salt Lake City for study of conodonts and 13C/12C isotope ratios and certain trace element excursions shown in the literature. Life’s preference for 12C over 13C means there is a 13C/12C ratio characteristic in marine life. At an extinction event, an abundance of dead marine life settled into the sediment and this 13C/12C isotope ratio is expected to decrease in the sediment until life is re-established in the ocean. We observed this pattern in our sections. Carbon isotope ratios and certain trace element excursions are thus geochemical stratigraphic markers independent of fossils for recognition of the Permian-Triassic Great Extinction Event in Northern Utah strata.






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Geochemical Evidence and Conodonts As Stratigraphic Markers for the Permian-Triassic Mass Extinction Event in Northern Utah

Category

Topical Sessions

Description


Session Format: Poster

Presentation Date: 10/12/2026

Presentation Room: CCC, Hall F

Poster Booth No.: 143

Author Availability: 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

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