All articles tagged with #ancient atmosphere
Researchers analyzed gas inclusions in 1.4-billion-year-old halite from Ontario to directly measure Mesoproterozoic atmospheric oxygen (~3.7% of modern) and CO2 levels (~10× preindustrial), revealing a milder climate than previously thought and offering new insight into Earth's ancient atmosphere during the so-called 'Boring Billion.'
Scientists extracted tiny air inclusions from 1.4‑billion‑year‑old salt crystals to directly measure Earth’s ancient atmosphere. The CO₂ levels were far lower than prior estimates, challenging the idea of a CO₂‑rich early atmosphere and suggesting a cooler, methane‑influenced climate that persisted under a faint Sun, with implications for the rise of life and hints for exoplanet habitability.
Scientists analyzed air trapped inside 815-million-year-old rock salt, revealing that Earth's ancient atmosphere had about 10-13% oxygen, roughly half of today's level, providing new insights into early Earth's conditions and the evolution of life.