Deep C Subduction Schematic (IMAGE)

Rice University

Deep C Subduction Schematic

Caption

This schematic depicts the efficient deep subduction of organic (reduced) carbon, a process that could have locked significant amounts of carbon in Earth's mantle and resulted in a higher percentage of atmospheric oxygen. Based on new high-pressure, high-temperature experiments, Rice University petrologists argue that the long-term sequestration of organic carbon from this process began as early as 2.5 billion years ago and helped bring about a well-known buildup of oxygen in Earth's atmosphere -- the "Great Oxidation Event" -- about 2.4 billion years ago.

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Image courtesy of R. Dasgupta/Rice University

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Must credit: R. Dasgupta/Rice University

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