Citation
How Earth's atmosphere evolved to an oxic state: A status report
TL;DR
Biological processes were primary drivers of atmospheric transformation
Reviews evidence for atmospheric evolution and the role of biological processes in transforming Earth's atmosphere. Connects geological and biological processes to show how life's waste products can create entirely new environmental conditions.
Key Findings from Catling & Claire (2005)
- Biological processes were primary drivers of atmospheric transformation
- Oxygen production was a byproduct of photosynthesis, not an 'intended' outcome
- Environmental transformation created conditions for new forms of life