Precambrian atmospheric pCO2 levels were previously estimated using a simple thermodynamic model based on the mineral assemblage in paleosols. In addition to theoretical flaws with that model, recalculation of pCO2 levels using more recent thermodynamic data gives significantly lower values. A new model based on the mass balance of weathering in paleosols gives consistent results from three sep...

Ambient pyrites of two distinct types were described from middle Precambrian rocks of the Lake Superior area. A new class of this phenomenon is here described from middle Precambrian chert from western Australia. The newly found ambient pyrites are quite minute and characteristically occur in groups forming a "starburst" pattern. All three types of ambient pyrite may be explained in terms of pr...