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How did Earth get its water?

Researchers propose that early interactions between the magma ocean and a molecular hydrogen proto-atmosphere could have given rise to Earth's signature features, including its abundant water. The study suggests that even dry rocky material collisions would generate large quantities of water through these atmospheric-magma interactions.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 12, 2023

Scientists discover a novel origin of abiotic oxidants on early earth: minerals

Researchers have overturned the traditional view that oxygen derives from water splitting, instead finding that reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced at mineral-water interfaces are a key source of oxygen. This discovery has significant implications for understanding the evolution of Earth's atmosphere and the habitability of early life.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 23, 2023

Why extinctions ran amok in ancient oceans, and why they slowed down

A new Stanford University study suggests that rising oxygen levels may have slowed down ancient ocean extinctions. The research found that oxygen levels beyond 40% of present atmospheric levels expanded viable ocean habitat and reduced extinction rates. This discovery has implications for understanding the fate of ocean creatures in to...

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 4, 2021

Volcanic eruptions may have spurred first ‘whiffs’ of oxygen in Earth’s atmosphere

Researchers found that large volcanic eruptions may have stimulated population surges of marine microorganisms, creating the first puffs of oxygen into the atmosphere. This would change existing stories of Earth's early atmosphere and has implications for extraterrestrial life and climate change.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2021