Abstract

At the base of D-C boundary shale (Changshun Shale) most of the conodont species and the last tentaculite species became extinct. Comparison between the data of South China and West Germany reveals that the extinction was synchronous. At Honnetal most ammonoid and trilobite species also became extinct. The siderophile elements Ir, Au, Ni, Co and Cr are distinctly enriched at the base of Changshun Shale. The Changshun Shale represents a coastal stagnant environment. The stagnant condition might have been favorable in preserving the siderophile elements. The elemental ratios of Au/Ni, Co/Ni, Cr/Ni and Fe/Ni match those of meteorites and the Canadian Nicholson Lake impact crater melt. The boundary beds yield microtektites. Across the D-C boundary faunal change, regression and geochemical anomaly are quite distinct, presumably triggered by meteorite impact, but further study should be carried on for confirmation.