For centuries, Earth has been known as the ‘blue planet,’ a title earned due to the extensive oceans that cover about 75% of its surface. However, a new study published in Nature Geology & Evolution suggests that this imagery might not have always been accurate.
According to the research, Earth’s oceans may have once been green rather than blue. The study challenges the conventional view by proposing that ancient oceans were rich in different types of microorganisms and minerals that altered the water’s hue. Conditions such as variations in oxygen levels, the presence of iron, and microbial activity could have contributed to a green tint.
The findings open new doors in the study of Earth’s early history and point to how the planet’s appearance—and life-sustaining environments—have evolved over geological timescales. Further research is expected to refine our understanding of how Earth transitioned from a green oceanic landscape to the blue oceans we recognize today.
Source: https:// – Courtesy of the original publisher.
