Phanerozoic atmospheric oxygen

R.A. Berner; D.J. Beerling; R. Dudley; J.M. Robinson; R.A. Wildman

doi:10.1146/annurev.earth.31.100901.141329

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Journal article

Peer reviewed

Phanerozoic atmospheric oxygen

R.A. Berner, D.J. Beerling, R. Dudley, J.M. Robinson and R.A. Wildman

Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Vol.31(1), pp.105-134

2003

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.earth.31.100901.141329

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Abstract

Theoretical calculations, based on both the chemical and isotopic composition of sedimentary rocks, indicate that atmospheric O2 has varied appreciably over Phanerozoic time, with a notable excursion during the Permo-Carboniferous reaching levels as high as 35% O2. This agrees with measurements of the carbon isotopic composition of fossil plants together with experiments and calculations on the effect of O2 on photosynthetic carbon isotope fractionation. The principal cause of the excursion was the rise of large vascular land plants and the consequent increased global burial of organic matter. Higher levels of O2 are consistent with the presence of Permo-Carboniferous giant insects, and preliminary experiments indicate that insect body size can increase with elevated O2. Higher O2 also may have caused more extensive, possibly catastrophic, wildfires. To check this, realistic burning experiments are needed to examine the effects of elevated O2 on fire behavior.

Details

Title: Phanerozoic atmospheric oxygen
Authors/Creators: R.A. Berner (Author/Creator)
D.J. Beerling (Author/Creator)
R. Dudley (Author/Creator)
J.M. Robinson (Author/Creator)
R.A. Wildman (Author/Creator)
Publication Details: Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Vol.31(1), pp.105-134
Publisher: Annual Reviews Inc.
Identifiers: 991005543990107891
Murdoch Affiliation: School of Environmental Science
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Citation topics: 8 Earth Sciences; 8.8 Geochemistry, Geophysics & Geology; 8.8.550 Paleoecology and Biogeography
Web Of Science research areas: Astronomy & Astrophysics; Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
ESI research areas: Geosciences