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For example:
• All the oxygen in the atmosphere is the
result of the activity of oxygen-generating
organic life (Oxygen is a very reactive ele-
ment which is constantly combining with
other elements to form various minerals
and other compounds, such as H
2
O –
water. All oxygen in the atmosphere is the
result of oxygen liberating micro-organ-
isms constantly replenishing the supply of
oxygen in an ongoing cycle.);
• Oil deposits are fossil deposits of micro-
scopic life;
• Iron deposits are the result of life chang-
ing the composition of seawater initially
and later through its indirect action in
changing the atmosphere;
• Sedimentary iron deposits were formed
in the Archean era when dissolved oxygen
generated by bacteria caused iron to pre-
cipitate out of the ocean;
• Limestones are the result of microscopic
and larger sea creatures forming calcareous
shells;
• Even gold deposits show evidence that
life is involved in the process of dissolving,
moving and redepositing gold in a variety
of ways as it has for billions of years.
It is this last point which is the focus
of this article. Ever since the evolution of
life started over three billion years ago, the
earth has been changed and perhaps pro
-
Gold and Life – a partnership
throughout Earth's history
by Alf Stewart
There is a fascinating link between certain gold deposits
and ancient Cambrian life forms
The evolution of life has
had a profound impact
on our planet and the
composition of the oceans,
atmosphere and even the
rocks that are formed.
