Want an oxygen-rich atmosphere? Stuff oxygen’s friends in the mantle.
A new study suggests that changes in the subduction of tectonic plates influenced Earth's atmospheric oxygen levels by controlling the movement of carbon and sulfur into the mantle. Cooler subduction allowed more of these elements to be stored deep within Earth, reducing their availability to react with oxygen in the atmosphere. This process may have contributed to periods of increased oxygenation, such as the Great Oxygenation Event and later rises in oxygen levels. The findings highlight a link between geological processes and the evolution of Earth's atmosphere.
A study suggests that subducting tectonic plates with more carbon and sulfur can increase atmospheric oxygen by keeping those elements deep in Earth's mantle.
Understanding how Earth's geology affects oxygen levels helps explain the planet's long-term habitability and the evolution of life.
This research connects Earth's deep processes to surface conditions, offering a grounded look at how natural systems shape life-supporting environments.
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