The Ammonium Ocean Following the End-Permian Mass Extinction

Explore the fascinating shift in oceanic nutrient composition following the end-Permian mass extinction in this 40-minute Seds Online lecture. Delve into the transformation from a nitrate-dominated ocean to an ammonium-dominated state, triggered by widespread water column deoxygenation. Examine the rapid depletion of nitrate during ocean anoxic events and its impact on marine ecosystems. Discover the subsequent boom of diazotrophs and the potential consequences of ammonium toxicity on marine animals. Gain insights into the complex interplay between oceanic chemistry, nutrient cycles, and mass extinction events that shaped Earth's ancient oceans.