Timothy Birdnow

Iron in the mantle may have had a profound impact on the Earth's atmosphere.

From Core to Crust: The Significance of Magma’s Oxidation in Earth’s Formation

FTA:

The early Earth’s highly oxidized mantle could have led to a Venus-like surface environment. The present state of the upper mantle may have been influenced by metallic iron from materials added after Earth’s formation.

How has the atmosphere and mantle oxidation state of the Earth changed?

The connection between a planet’s interior and its surface plays a pivotal role in comprehending the formation of a planet’s surface environment. The distribution of ferrous (Fe2+) and ferric (Fe3+) iron in the mantles of rocky planets determines the oxidation state of the mantle. This, in turn, influences the composition of volcanic gases and the mantle’s capacity to store volatiles, including critical, life-essential elements like hydrogen and carbon.

Therefore, determining the distribution of Fe2+ and Fe3+ in the mantle immediately after its formation offers crucial information about the surface environment prior to life emergence and the beginnings of habitable planets.

End excerpt.

So, apparently the mantle irons out our atmospheric problems!

Posted by: Timothy Birdnow at 09:07 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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