Extremely Weak Geomagnetic Field Following Permo-Carboniferous Reverse Superchron Links Habitability to Internal Processes

Here, we present reliable paleointensity results from lava flows of the Emeishan large igneous province (LIP), formed just postdating the PCRS. Our results indicate that the geomagnetic field paleointensity was extremely low during this period, with a mean value of about one-sixth of the modern geomagnetic field intensity. We find that the major mass extinctions and environmental deterioration events coincide with the extremely low geomagnetic field states and eruptions of LIPs. The observed causality among the geomagnetic field, biological evolution, and geodynamic processes strongly suggests a strong coupling between the Earth’s interior and surface processes.