Abstract
In Part 1 we described the early atmosphere which was rich in nitrogen and carbon dioxide and was oxygen deficient. In due course photosynthesis liberated free O2 from CO2. The abundance of O2 reached modern levels by the turn of the Proterozoic and triggered metazoan radiation. However tectonic activity exerted the ultimate control on the growth of atmospheric O2 by enhanced organic carbon burial in sediments.
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Sukumaran, P.V. Evolution of the atmosphere and oceans: Evidence from geological records. Reson 5, 6–14 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02834667
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02834667