Chapter 7: Section 4 - The Biosphere and the Evolution of the Atmosphere

PDF versionPDF version

Overview

In this section you will find materials that support the implementation of EarthComm, Section 4: The Biosphere and the Evolution of the Atmosphere.

Learning Outcomes

  • Carry out an investigation to explain how iron reacts with oxygen in a solution.
  • Carry out an investigation that examines the evidence for the iron-oxidizing conditions of Earth’s early oceans.
  • Analyze and interpret data to explain changes in the volume of oxygen dissolved in the global ocean over time.
  • Obtain and evaluate information about the role of early life forms in the evolution of the atmosphere.

Inquiring Further

  1. To learn more about banded iron formations, visit the following web sites:

    Banded Iron Formation, Sandatlas
    Overview of both Superior type and Algoma type banded iron formations.

    Chemical and Biogenic Rocks, University of Maryland
    Contains a section on banded iron formations and the differences between Superior type and Algoma type.
     
  2. To learn more about mining the banded iron formations and processing iron ore, visit the following web sites:

Iron Ores, Mining Artifacts and History
Describes the geology and distribution of different iron deposits.

Iron Mining: Where and Why?, Michigan State University
History of iron discovery and production in Michigan.

The Lake Superior Iron Ranges: Geology and Mining, USGS
Overview of the discovery, shipping, and processing of iron ore from the Lake Superior region.

The Steel Making Industry: Raw Materials, World Steel Association
A look at how iron ore is processed into steel.
 

  1. To learn more about the great oxygenation event, visit the following web sites:

    Early life: Oxygen Enters the Atmosphere, BBC
    Examines the great oxygenation event, also called the Oxygen Catastrophe or Oxygen Crisis.

    Geologists revisit the Great Oxygenation Event, Washington University in Saint Louis
    Examines the rise of oxygen in Earth’s atmosphere and its effects on life.

Resources

To learn more about this topic, visit the following web sites:

Banded Iron Formations

Banded Iron Formations, University of Oregon
Examines the formation of banded iron formations.

Banded Iron Formation, American Museum of Natural History
Exhibit of a 3 billion year old BiF from Canada showing magnetite and silica rich layers.

The Rise of Oxygen in the Atmosphere

Origin of the Earth's Atmosphere, Eastern Illinois University
Examines the evolution of Earth’s atmosphere and supporting evidence.