How did early Earth's radiation climate affect the evolution of life? This paper explores the uncertainties surrounding ultraviolet (UV) fluxes and biologically weighted irradiances during the Archaean and post-Archaean eras. The study shows that calculations of the surface photobiological environment during the Archaean Era vary significantly, spanning a three-order of magnitude difference in DNA-damage weighted irradiances. The authors find that differences are primarily caused by uncertainties in the concentrations of trace gases and the partial pressures of carbon dioxide and nitrogen, affecting atmospheric scattering. During the Proterozoic and Phanerozoic, these uncertainties are primarily caused by limited knowledge about ozone-depleting agents and the effects of global temperatures on ozone concentrations. Understanding these uncertainties is crucial for accurately assessing the conditions under which early life evolved.
Published in the International Journal of Astrobiology, this paper is highly relevant, exploring the photobiological environment of early Earth, an area of significant interest to astrobiologists. It addresses the uncertainties in estimating UV radiation levels and their impact on early life, aligning perfectly with the journal's aim to foster interdisciplinary research on the origin, evolution, and distribution of life in the universe.
| Category | Category Repetition |
|---|---|
| Science: Astronomy | 1 |
| Science: Physics: Geophysics. Cosmic physics | 1 |