Near-collapse of the geomagnetic field may have contributed to atmospheric oxygenation and animal radiation in the Ediacaran Period

Published in Communications Earth & Environment · View the paper (DOI)

Researchers found that a weak magnetic field coincided with significant oxygen increase in the atmosphere and oceans between 591-565 million years ago, supporting evolution of complex organisms. This weakening led to increased hydrogen escape, resulting in more oxygen and potentially driving animal radiation during Ediacaran Period.

Near-collapse of the geomagnetic field may have contributed to atmospheric oxygenation and animal radiation in the Ediacaran Period

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