Measuring Oxygen Content of the Ancient Earth

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During the Carboniferous period, atmospheric oxygen levels peaked at over 32% by volume. This measurement is determined through various methods, including analyzing geological deposits where the composition of precipitates reflects the partial pressure of oxygen. Additionally, researchers can study trapped gas bubbles in ancient ice or sediment, which preserve samples of the original atmosphere, providing direct evidence of past oxygen concentrations.
Drakkith
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I read that the level of oxygen in the atmosphere reached its highest concentration during the Carboniferous period, with over 32% of the atmosphere by volume as O2. I was wondering, how is this measured?

The reference on wiki only links to a graph with no other content.

Thanks.
 
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Composition of some precipitates depends on the partial pressure of oxygen, so you can determine the partial pressure by examining deposits.

I also seem to remember in some cases we were able to find trapped bubbles of original atmosphere.
 

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