Kathmandu: An international research team has uncovered new insights into how oxygen levels in Earth’s atmosphere rose about 2 billion years ago, a breakthrough achieved by analyzing oxygen isotopes preserved in ancient sulfate minerals.

The study, led by Chengdu University of Technology in China and published in Nature, identifies three major phases of atmospheric oxygen increase:

Paleoproterozoic Era (2.5–1.6 billion years ago)

Neoproterozoic Era (1 billion–538.8 million years ago)

Paleozoic Era (538.8–252 million years ago)

Impact on Life and Planetary Conditions
According to Matthew Dodd of the University of Western Australia (UWA), who participated in the research, the rise in atmospheric oxygen was crucial for the emergence of complex life, planetary habitability, and the development of natural resources.

The study also reveals that as atmospheric oxygen increased, oceans underwent periodic oxidation, causing significant shifts in carbon, sulfur, and oxygen isotopes. These processes were instrumental in shaping Earth’s biological evolution and resource formation.

Researchers say the findings provide critical insights into the origin and evolution of life and the formation of key mineral and petroleum resources.