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Biological modulation of the earth's atmosphereReview of the evidence that the earth's atmosphere is regulated by life on the surface so that the probability of growth of the entire biosphere is maximized. Acidity, gas composition including oxygen level, and ambient temperature are enormously important determinants for the distribution of life. The earth's atmosphere deviates greatly from that of the other terrestrial planets in particular with respect to acidity, composition, redox potential and temperature history as predicted from solar luminosity. These deviations from predicted steady state conditions have apparently persisted over millions of years. These anomalies may be evidence for a complex planet-wide homeostasis that is the product of natural selection. Possible homeostatic mechanisms that may be further investigated by both theoretical and experimental methods are suggested.
Document ID
19740049594
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Margulis, L.
(Boston University Boston, Mass., United States)
Lovelock, J. E.
(Reading, University Reading, Berks., United Kingdom)
Date Acquired
August 7, 2013
Publication Date
April 1, 1974
Publication Information
Publication: Icarus
Volume: 21
Subject Category
Geophysics
Accession Number
74A32344
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGR-22-004-025
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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