Palaeoproterozoic supercontinents and global evolution: correlations from core to atmosphere

• DOI: 10.1144/sp323.1
• Publication Date: 2009-09-04T17:04:47Z
• Authors: S. M. Reddy; D. A. D. Evans
• Keywords: Geoscience; 550; 13. Climate action; Palaeoproterozoic; review; Earth; Geology; 15. Life on land; Precambrian; 01 natural sciences; 0105 earth and related environmental sciences

Abstract The Palaeoproterozoic era was a time of profound change in Earth evolution and represented perhaps the first supercontinent cycle, from amalgamation dispersal possible Neoarchaean to formation 1.9–1.8 Ga Nuna. This although currently lacking palaeogeographic detail, can principle provide contextual framework investigate relationships between deep-Earth surface processes. In this article, we graphically summarize secular Earth's core its atmosphere, Mesoproterozoic eras (specifically 3.0–1.2 Ga), reveal intriguing temporal across various ‘spheres’ system. At broadest level our compilation confirms an important event at c . 2.7 that is manifested abrupt increase geodynamo palaeointensity, peak global record large igneous provinces, broad maximum several mantle-depletion proxies. Temporal coincidence with juvenile continental crust production orogenic gold, massive-sulphide porphyry copper deposits, indicate enhanced mantle convection linked series plumes and/or slab avalanches. subsequent stabilization cratonic lithosphere, development emergence continents led changing environment which voluminous banded iron-formations could accumulate on margins photosynthetic life flourish. turn irreversible atmospheric oxidation 2.4–2.3 Ga, extreme events carbon cycling, dissipation former methane greenhouse atmosphere resulted extensive ice ages. Following great event, shallow marine sulphate levels rose, sediment-hosted iron-oxide-rich metal deposits became abundant, transition sulphide-stratified oceans provided for early eukaryotic evolution. Recent advances geochronology stratigraphic have made these inferences possible. Frontiers future research include more refined modelling thermal geodynamic evolution, palaeomagnetic studies intensity motions, further tectonic syntheses regional levels, new isotopic systems constrain geochemical cycles, continued innovation search records relation palaeoenvironments.