For centuries, Earth has been famously referred to as the blue planet, largely due to the expansive oceans that cover about three-quarters of its surface. However, a new study published in the journal Nature Geology & Evolution suggests that this was not always the case. According to the research, Earth’s oceans could have appeared green in the distant past.
The study explores the chemical composition and biological activity in ancient seawater, hypothesizing that different concentrations of minerals, organic materials, and microbial life may have significantly influenced the color of the oceans. In particular, high levels of iron and the dominance of certain types of microorganisms could have given the seas a green tint, rather than the deep blue hue we recognize today.
This new perspective offers important insights into Earth’s early environmental conditions and the evolutionary processes that have shaped the planet’s biosphere over millions of years. Understanding these ancient oceans could also inform current studies on climate change, marine ecosystems, and the search for life on other planets.
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