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Three-dimensional (3D) seismic-reflection data from the Barents Sea show geometric similarities between Permian cool-water mounds and older carbonate build-ups. In detail, the Samson Dome area records the development of polygonal mounds in Upper Permian strata; at the same time, a gradual drowning event took place in the Barents Sea. The presence of these polygonal mounds is interpreted to reflect: (i) shallower conditions around the Samson Dome than in other parts of the Barents Sea; and (ii) earlier drowning of Upper Permian mounds towards the west and northwest into the Ottar Basin. Based on the recognition of mounds ~20 m below the Permian-Triassic stratigraphic boundary, this paper proposes for the first time that shallow areas of the Barents Sea, such as the Samson Dome, witnessed sustained organic productivity until the onset of the P- T extinction event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]