Oxygenation history of the Earth and the evolution of complex life

该项目将通过分析在1亿至3亿年前形成的古代堡礁和其他岩石，跨越动植物的出现和多样化，来调查大气是如何以及何时变得富氧的。这个项目意义重大，因为大气中氧气的积累可以说是地球上有史以来最重要的化学过程，它控制着环境、气候和生命的进化。一个主要成果将是提高对地球大气和气候如何受地质过程调节的理解。该项目将产生关于沉积锌、铅和铜矿床如何形成的新知识，这可能指导这些商品的勘探。

This project will investigate how and when the atmosphere became oxygen-rich by analyzing ancient barrier reefs and other rocks that formed between 1000 to 300 million years ago, spanning the appearance and diversification of animals and plants. The project is significant because the buildup of oxygen in the atmosphere was arguably the most important chemical process ever to have occurred on Earth and controlled the evolution of environments, climate and life. A major outcome will be an improved understanding of how the Earth's atmosphere and climate are regulated by geological processes. This project will generate new knowledge about how sedimentary zinc, lead and copper ore deposits form, which may guide exploration for these commodities.