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Excess Oxygen in Deep Earth Magma May Explain Atmosphere Oxygen
Recent research reveals that molten rock deep within the Earth can store significantly more oxygen than previously expected based on its chemical composition. Published in the National Science Review, this study sheds new light on the geochemical processes that ultimately led to an oxygen-rich atmosphere on our planet. The findings challenge traditional geological models regarding how volatile elements are transported and stored within the Earth's mantle. By understanding this deep-seated oxygen reservoir, scientists can better reconstruct the evolutionary timeline of Earth's breathable atmosphere.