Researchers Discover Fluctuations in Early Earth’s Oxygen Levels
Scientists from the University of Utah have recently released groundbreaking findings on the fluctuations of oxygen levels on early Earth, challenging previous beliefs about the Great Oxidation Event.
Approximately 2.5 billion years ago, Earth underwent a significant change known as the Great Oxygen Catastrophe, where free oxygen levels in the atmosphere began to rise, leading to the evolution of more complex life forms. However, the latest research indicates that oxygen levels did not rise steadily but instead fluctuated over extended periods of time.
By studying ancient rocks and minerals, researchers found evidence of multiple spikes in oxygen levels followed by sharp declines. This suggests that the process of oxygen accumulation was more complex than previously thought, involving multiple stages of growth and decline.
Dr. Chadlin Ostrander highlighted that these fluctuations were not limited to the atmosphere but also occurred in the oceans. By analyzing stable thallium isotopes in ancient rocks, scientists were able to reconstruct oxygen levels in ancient seas. The significant enrichment of rocks with the light isotope thallium-203 indicates a significant accumulation of dissolved oxygen in seawater during the Great Oxygen Event.
This discovery provides a deeper insight into the factors that influenced oxygen levels on Earth during a crucial period in its history, paving the way for a better understanding of the conditions that allowed for the evolution of life on our planet.
