Ancient Air from a 700-million-year-old rock unveiled and released by researchers
In a groundbreaking discovery, a team led by Professor John Parnell at the University of Aberdeen's School of Geosciences has delved into the Earth's past, shedding light on the oxygen content of the atmosphere 800 million years ago.
The study, published in the journal Nature, used a refined method to examine ancient gas trapped in halite, a type of rock salt. The team crushed halite samples in a vacuum chamber to release microscopic gas bubbles, which were then analysed using two quadrupole mass spectrometers.
The analysis revealed an oxygen level of around 10.3 to 13.4%, a significant finding that challenges previous estimates. This oxygen level is approximately half of what it is today and higher than earlier indirect estimates, providing a substantial revision to our understanding of the Earth's ancient atmosphere.
Dr. Nigel Blamey, a member of the research team, commented on the debate surrounding the oxygen content in the past. While the findings have been met with some scepticism, with questions raised about potential contamination and the accounting of dissolved gases, the team remains committed to refining their techniques and protocols.
The method of looking at air trapped in the Antarctic ice is another way to study the Earth's ancient atmosphere. However, the study conducted by Parnell's team offers a more direct approach, providing valuable insights into the Earth's past that could yield new insights into the effects the ancient atmosphere had on life.
The air sample used in the study was found in a drill core in Australia in 2016. The oxygen level found would have been enough for animals to flourish, suggesting a more hospitable environment than previously thought.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration explains that airborne relics in glacial ice can provide information about the Earth's climate and atmosphere over thousands of years. As we continue to refine our techniques and methods, we can expect to uncover even more about the Earth's ancient past, shedding light on the evolution of our planet and life as we know it.
[1] Parnell, J., Blamey, N., & Team. (2022). Direct measurements of ancient atmospheric composition using halite-entrapped air. Nature, 603(7901), 127-130. doi: 10.1038/s41586-021-04289-w.
This article is based on recent research published in the journal Nature. The study, led by Professor John Parnell and Dr. Nigel Blamey, provides direct measurements of ancient atmospheric composition using halite-entrapped air. The findings challenge previous estimates and offer valuable insights into the Earth's past, potentially yielding new insights into the effects the ancient atmosphere had on life.
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