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Precambrian solution photochemistry, inverse segregation, and banded iron formations

Abstract

SOLAR radiation on an early Precambrian sea would generate short-lived excited species near the surface of the water. Many of the species would be powerful oxidising or reducing agents. Despite back-reactions, net reducing power would be lost to the atmosphere. This effect would be the opposite of present day photosynthesis and can be termed ‘inverse segregation’. Its possible relevance to banded iron formation is discussed here.

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CAIRNS-SMITH, A. Precambrian solution photochemistry, inverse segregation, and banded iron formations. Nature 276, 807–808 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1038/276807a0

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