Want an oxygen-rich atmosphere? Stuff oxygen’s friends in the mantle.
Summary
Scientists studied how changes in the Earth's tectonic plates helped increase oxygen in the atmosphere over billions of years. Cooler deep Earth temperatures allowed more carbon and sulfur to be carried deep inside, which helped oxygen build up in the air.Key Facts
- Earth’s atmosphere slowly gained oxygen over billions of years, supporting animal life.
- Photosynthetic life (like plants) produces oxygen, but Earth’s geology also affected oxygen levels.
- The process called subduction pushes tectonic plates deep into the Earth’s mantle.
- When the mantle is hot, carbon and sulfur are released near the surface and reduce oxygen in the air.
- When the mantle is cooler, carbon and sulfur go deeper, keeping oxygen in the atmosphere.
- Studies show cooler subduction matches times when oxygen increased: about 2 billion years ago and again in the last 800 million years.
- These oxygen jumps helped make Earth’s air rich enough for animals to live.
- The research used rock chemistry to understand Earth’s deep temperature changes and how they link to oxygen levels.
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