The question of the origin of oxygen in the atmosphere takes on added interest because advocates of two mutually exclusive theories are both on the project. Ohmoto of Penn State believes that oxygen in the atmosphere has been at steady levels through time, while James F. Kasting, Penn State professor of geosciences and meteorology, believes that oxygen levels in the early atmosphere were very low, less than 1 millionth of the present atmospheric level, and increased rapidly to nearly present levels 2.2 billion years ago. This is where the African rocks come in. Chemical studies of these rocks are one part of determining if oxygen levels were continuously high or suddenly increased around 2.2 billion years ago. Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh and the State University of New York, Stony Brook are also members of the center.
Associate members come from across the U.S. and around the world.
The Penn State Astrobiology Research Center will celebrate its formation on Sept. 24 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Earth and Mineral Sciences Museum on the ground floor of the Steidle Building.