Evolution of the iodine cycle and the late stabilization of the Earth's ozone layer.

ABSTRACT: The origin of complex life and the evolution of terrestrial ecosystems are fundamental aspects of the natural history on Earth. Here, we present evidence for a protracted stabilization of the Earth's ozone layer. The destruction of atmospheric ozone today is inherently linked to the cycling of marine and atmospheric iodine. Supported by multiple independent lines of geological evidence and examined through an iodine mass balance model, we find that elevated marine iodide content prevailed through most of Earth's history. Since the rise of oxygen ~2.4 billion years ago, high marine iodide concentrations would have led to significant inorganic iodine emissions to the atmosphere, facilitating catalytic ozone destruction and resulting in atmospheric ozone instability with periodic or persisten

SUBMITTER: Liu J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11745384 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature