A groundbreaking study has revealed a strong correlation between Earth's magnetic field and the levels of oxygen in its atmosphere. The research, conducted by scientists at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, suggests a parallel increase in both factors over the past 540 million years.
The study indicates that the strength of the geomagnetic field has risen in tandem with the percentage of oxygen in the atmosphere since the Cambrian period. This intriguing connection raises questions about the potential interplay between these two crucial elements for life on Earth. "This is the first discovery we've ever had to establish the link between the geomagnetic field and the oxygen level," said lead author Weijia Kuang.
Scientists are exploring whether the magnetic field influences oxygen levels, or vice versa. The magnetic field shields the atmosphere from space weather, preventing the escape of atmospheric molecules. Alternatively, plate tectonics, which recycles the Earth's crust, could play a role by impacting the lower mantle and, consequently, the geomagnetic field. The study also considers a third possibility: an unknown factor driving both phenomena.
The research highlights a spike in both datasets coinciding with the formation and breakup of the supercontinent Pangaea. This suggests a possible link between supercontinents and the Earth's magnetic field and oxygen levels. "We're like kids playing with Legos, with each of us having a separate Lego piece. We're trying to fit all of it together and see what's the big picture," said co-author Ravi Kopparapu, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in unraveling Earth's complex systems.