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Atmospheric oxygen over Phanerozoic time.

R A Berner1

  • 1Department of Geology and Geophysics, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520-8109, USA.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
|September 29, 1999
PubMed
Summary

Atmospheric oxygen levels fluctuated between 15-30% over the last 550 million years. Evidence suggests these variations are linked to carbon cycles, plant evolution, and biological changes.

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Response.

Science (New York, N.Y.)·1991

Area of Science:

  • Geosciences
  • Paleontology
  • Atmospheric Science

Background:

  • Atmospheric oxygen (O2) levels have potentially varied significantly over geological timescales.
  • Understanding past O2 fluctuations is crucial for interpreting Earth's history and biological evolution.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the possibility of significant variations in atmospheric oxygen levels over the past 550 million years.
  • To identify key lines of evidence supporting these proposed oxygen fluctuations.

Main Methods:

  • Modeling of Earth's carbon and sulfur geochemical cycles.
  • Analysis of sedimentary records, particularly excessive organic matter burial.
  • Review of physiological studies linking biological evolution to oxygen levels.

Main Results:

  • Evidence suggests atmospheric oxygen has likely varied, potentially between 15% and 30% O2.
  • The advent of large vascular land plants correlates with increased organic matter burial, indicating O2 changes.
  • Physiological studies provide biological context for evolutionary responses to varying oxygen.

Conclusions:

  • Past atmospheric oxygen levels were likely not constant and experienced significant fluctuations.
  • Geochemical, sedimentological, and biological data collectively support the hypothesis of variable O2 over the Phanerozoic eon.

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