Ups and downs of ancient oxygen
Article Abstract:
A study model provides an insight into ancient rise of atmospheric oxygen and its close relationship with evolution which could have fluctuated between high and low concentration once photosynthesis had evolved. The findings suggest that the atmospheric oxygen budget could change even if other sources and sinks of oxygen remain constant and the atmosphere might have got stuck in a low-oxygen state for a long time following the start of photosynthesis, even though oxygen levels were poised to go much higher.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2006
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Increased subaerial volcanism and the rise of atmospheric oxygen 2.5 billion years ago
Article Abstract:
The studies have shown that the rise of atmospheric oxygen has occurred because the predominant sink for oxygen in the Archaean era was abruptly and permanently diminished during the Archaean-Proterozoic transition. The submarine volcanoes are more reducing than subaerial volcanoes, so a shift from predominantly submarine to a mix of subaerial and submarine volcanism has reduced the overall sink for oxygen, leading to rise of atmospheric oxygen.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2007
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Oxygen's rise reduced
Article Abstract:
Scientists have shown that reactions between oxygen and reduced volcanic gases had initially kept oxygen levels low. The emergence of volcanoes from the sea might also be the crucial step in establishing an oxygen-rich atmosphere on Earth.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2007
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