Abstract
Oxygenic photosynthesis fundamentally transformed all major biogeochemical cycles and increased the size and complexity of Earth's biosphere. However, there is still debate about when this metabolism evolved. As oxygenic photosynthesis is the only significant source of O2 at Earth’s surface, O2-sensitive trace element enrichments and isotopic signatures in Archean sedimentary rocks can potentially be used to determine the onset of oxygenic photosynthesis by tracking shifts in the oxidative capacity of Earth’s surface environment. Here, we present an extensive new Archean U isotope record from iron formations, organic-rich shales, and paleosols. Variability in δ238U values gradually increased from Archean to Phanerozoic, consistent with current view of gradual oxidation of Earth’s surface. In addition, statistical analysis on available δ238U data indicates a turning point of δ238U variability at roughly 3.0 billon years ago. We suggest that such a turning point in δ238U variability indicates the initiation of relatively large-scale oxidative weathering of U(IV)-bearing minerals, implying that oxygenic photosynthesis may have evolved before 3.0 billion years ago.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.