Oxygen isotope ensemble reveals Earth’s seawater, temperature, and carbon cycle history

Abstract

Earth’s persistent habitability since the Archean remains poorly understood. Using an oxygen isotope ensemble approach—comprising shale, iron oxide, carbonate, silica, and phosphate records—we reconcile a multibillion-year history of seawater δ 18 O, temperature, and marine and terrestrial clay abundance. Our results reveal a rise in seawater δ 18 O and a temperate Proterozoic climate distinct to interpretations of a hot early Earth, indicating a strongly buffered climate system. Precambrian sediments are enriched in marine authigenic clay, with prominent reductions occurring in concert with Paleozoic and Cenozoic cooling, the expansion of siliceous life, and the radiation of land plants. These findings support the notion that shifts in the locus and extent of clay formation contributed to seawater 18 O enrichment, clement early Earth conditions, major climate transitions, and climate stability through the reverse weathering feedback.