* Astronomy

Deposits of Phosphorites Could Be Geological Signpost of Life

Two billion years ago, Earth was recovering from a major environmental upheaval that had caused widespread changes in the planets surface conditions.
The oxygenation of the atmosphere and oceans had altered global biogeochemical cycles and triggered the formation of the earliest worldwide phosphorite deposits. These are rocks that contain abundant phosphorus, a key building block of life.
Scientists are now linking the deposition of phosphorus during that time period to the establishment of sulphur bacteria habitats, potentially paving the way for a new approach to astrobiology research.
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