Matworld – the biogeochemical effects of early life on land. Issue 2 (24th November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lenton, Timothy M.; Daines, Stuart J.
• Is Part Of: New phytologist. Volume 215:Issue 2(2017)
• Page Start: 531
• Page End: 537
• Publication Date: 2016-11-24
• Subjects: atmospheric composition -- biological soil crust -- cryptogamic cover -- microbial mat -- oxygen -- palaeosol -- phosphorus (P) -- weathering; Botany -- Periodicals; 580
• DOI: 10.1111/nph.14338
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0028-646X

Abstract

Abstract : Contents Summary 531 I. Introduction 531 II. Mats as ecosystem engineers 532 III. Archean oxygen oases 534 IV. Proterozoic evidence 535 V. Neoproterozoic greening? 535 VI. Conclusions 535 Acknowledgements 536 References 536 Summary: There is growing evidence that life has been on land for billions of years. Microbial mats fuelled by oxygenic photosynthesis were probably present in terrestrial habitats from c . 3.0 billion yr ago (Ga) onwards, creating localized 'oxygen oases' under a reducing atmosphere, which left a characteristic oxidative weathering signal. After the Great Oxidation c . 2.4 Ga, the now oxidizing atmosphere masked that redox signal, but ancient soils record the mobilization of phosphorus and other elements by organic acids in weathering profiles. Evidence for Neoproterozoic 'greening of the land' and intensification of weathering c . 0.85–0.54 Ga is currently equivocal. However, the mid‐Palaeozoic c . 0.45–0.4 Ga shows global atmospheric changes consistent with increased terrestrial productivity and intensified weathering by the first land plants. Abstract : See also the Commentary on this article by Friedman, 215 : 505–507 .