Earth’s atmosphere took two billion years to become fully oxygenated
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: High-resolution isotope data show that a modern-like, oxygen-rich atmosphere was not established until 410 million years ago, supporting a 2-billion-year transitional oxygenation of Earth’s surface. The record also captures a dynamic co-evolution of atmospheric and oceanic reduction–oxidation states, with repeated oxygenation pulses and feedback cycles. Oxygen isotopes in sedimentary sulfate provide details of a stepwise rise in oxygen levels in the atmosphere and oceans.
Source: Nature
Language: English
Subfield: Paleontology
Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Climate action
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $12,690
OpenAlex ID: W4414277183