The Dynamics of Earth System Oxygenation (IMAGE) Arizona State University Caption Banded iron formations of the Hamersley Basin, Western Australia, deposited about 2.4 billion years ago. These formations are widely regarded as signifying a key step in the transition to the modern, oxygenated environment. The causes of this transition, especially the connections between the evolving surface environment and the Earth's deep interior, will be investigated by the "Dynamics of Earth System Oxygenation" project. Credit A. D. Anbar, Arizona State University Usage Restrictions Used only by permission. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.