Magma May Store Hidden Oxygen Beneath Earth’s Surface
Scientists have discovered that magma deep inside Earth can store unexpectedly large amounts of additional oxygen. This finding suggests that volcanic activity may have played a broader role in shaping Earth’s atmosphere than previously understood.
If ancient eruptions released some of this stored oxygen, the process could have helped transform the atmosphere billions of years ago. The research may also provide useful insights for evaluating how volcanic and geological processes could influence the environments of other planets, including their potential for life.