Ancient atmospheric oxygen explains the formation of major iron ore deposits

phys.org

Ancient atmospheric oxygen is found in major iron ore deposits, explaining their formation. Researchers discovered that oxygen from Earth's early atmosphere, preserved in ancient salts, was incorporated into magma, leading to the formation of these crucial iron and rare-earth element deposits. This finding links atmospheric oxygenation by photosynthesis to the creation of significant mineral resources, revealing how ancient atmospheric changes are still detectable in rocks today.


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Ancient atmospheric oxygen explains the formation of major iron ore deposits | News Minimalist