Abstract The geodynamic evolution of the Palaeo-Tethyan Ocean is key to understanding the development of Pangaea. The main continents of SE Asia were welded together in response to the closure of the Palaeo-Tethyan Ocean. However, the precise location of the sutures and timing of the collisions are poorly constrained, especially the southward continuation from Peninsular Malaysia into west Indonesia. This study presents new zircon U–Pb geochronological, petrological, elemental and Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf–O isotopic data in order to investigate the origin and tectonic setting of the granitoids from the Bangka and Belitung islands, west Indonesia. Although possessing different mineral compositions, the two groups of samples yield similar crystallization ages of c. 230–220 Ma and enriched Nd–Hf isotopic compositions (whole-rock ε Nd ( t ) = −9.6 to −2.4 and zircon ε Hf ( t ) = −12.1 to −0.1), and probably originated from melting of a mixed source of metagreywacke and metapelite with a subordinate meta-igneous component. Both granitic groups formed during post-collisional processes, and when this interpretation is combined with regional investigations on the granitic magmatism, the Bangka–Belitung granitoids may represent the southward continuation of the Main Range granitoids. If correct, the distribution of granitoids with distinct petrogenesis across both islands implies a location for the Palaeo-Tethyan suture zone between Bangka–Belitung and West Kalimantan.

Abstract While the Triassic is comparatively a tectonically quiescent period in the dynamic development of the Barents Shelf, the depositional infill was strongly influenced by structural elements and there is a marked difference between lower and middle Triassic sedimentation. Southwards-propagating uplift of north–south-orientated elements along the incipient North Atlantic margin, from the mid-Carboniferous to the Early Triassic, generated uplift, tilt and erosion of the Sørkapp–Hornsund and palaeo-Stappen highs, and the Ringsel and Selis ridges. Progressive onlap along the flanks with probably no deposition until the Ladinian, which is probably condensed/partly missing, characterized the ensuing sedimentation. Late Permian–Early Triassic uplift of the Selis Ridge was concurrent with uplift and erosion of the Capria Ridge. Both elements also experienced a phase of Anisian–Ladinian erosion. The Gardarbanken High underwent a later Early Triassic uplift and a complex, probably condensed, deposition associated with the infill of advancing deltaic systems. The Ladinian, and more dominantly the Carnian, saw even blanketing of large parts of the Barents Shelf, almost wholly unaffected by the structural elements. The most noticeable influence at the time is the thinning of the progradational system approaching the Svalbard Platform, which remained comparatively shallow, as witnessed by the lowered clinoform angle and rapid deposition.

Abstract The Carnian Pluvial Episode (CPE; c. 234–232 million years ago) is characterized by an accelerated hydrological cycle, global warming and a period of elevated biotic turnover. Using spores and pollen, we reconstruct vegetation and climate changes through a Carnian–Norian (Upper Triassic) interval of the Huangshanjie Formation from the Junggar Basin, China. Four palynofloras were identified, representing distinct vegetation communities. Among these palynofloras, we observed a prominent shift from a conifer-dominated climax forest community, with common ginkgophytes and bennettites, to a fern-dominated community, suggestive of an environmental perturbation. We interpret this change as a regional shift in vegetation, likely caused by increased humidity, consistent with the CPE. Our records represent the first indication of a possible CPE-induced vegetation response in the Junggar Basin and highlight how this event likely affected floral communities of inland Laurasia.