The ancient deep ocean was rich in the key biological nutrient iron, for nearly a billion years longer than previously thought.
The study shows the oceans were rich in iron through to a key evolutionary interval that culminated in the rise of animals.
“The implications of our work suggest a need to rethink all the models for how life-essential nutrients were distributed in ocean through time and space,” Tim Lyons, professor of geobiology, said.
Read more at University of Tasmania