An expansive global oxygenation of Earth’s surface environments 1.4 billion years ago

Hao Yan, Zheng Qin, Lingang Xu (), Jingwen Mao (), Dongjie Tang, Qin Huang, Xiuqing Yang, Zhiquan Li, Jie Li, Long Li, Leslie J. Robbins, Brian Kendall, Donald E. Canfield and Kurt O. Konhauser
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Hao Yan: China University of Geosciences, School of Earth Sciences and Resources
Zheng Qin: China University of Geosciences, Institute of Earth Sciences
Lingang Xu: China University of Geosciences, School of Earth Sciences and Resources
Jingwen Mao: Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, MNR Key Laboratory of Metallogeny and Mineral Assessment, Institute of Mineral Resources
Dongjie Tang: China University of Geosciences, State Key Laboratory of Geomicrobiology and Environmental Changes, Frontiers Science Center for Deep-time Digital Earth
Qin Huang: Guangxi University, Coral Reef Research Center of China
Xiuqing Yang: Chang’an University, School of Earth Science and Recourses
Zhiquan Li: Lakehead University, Department of Geology, Lakehead University
Jie Li: Chinese Academy of Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Isotope Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry
Long Li: University of Alberta, Department of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences
Leslie J. Robbins: University of Regina, Department of Earth Sciences
Brian Kendall: University of Waterloo, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences
Donald E. Canfield: Campusvej 55, Nordcee, Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark
Kurt O. Konhauser: University of Alberta, Department of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Abstract The notion of biogeochemical stasis during the Mesoproterozoic era (1.6 to 1.0 billion years ago, Ga) has been increasingly challenged by evidence of transient episodes of increased oxygen (O2) levels in localized basins. However, the extent of oxygenation during this period - whether local or global - remains a topic of debate. Here, we present evidence of elevated global seawater molybdenum (Mo) isotope values, surpassing the typical Mesoproterozoic baseline, based on manganese (Mn)- and iron (Fe)-rich chemical sedimentary rocks in the ~1.45 Ga Tieling Formation, North China. Mass balance modeling indicates that as much as 80% of the global seafloor was oxygenated. Combined with prior evidence for elevated O2 levels, our findings suggest a more expanded and prolonged global oxygenation event centered around ~1.4 Ga than previously recognized.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-65551-z

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