How and when did the atmosphere and ocean form? Which gases are thought to have been present in the early atmosphere?

What will be an ideal response?


The atmosphere and oceans formed during the first 700 million years of the Earth's history. They formed from volatiles brought in by extraterrestrial impact events, which were much more common at this time. A late pulse of bombardment at around 3.8 billion years ago may have added additional volatiles, if the Nice model is correct. The early atmosphere is thought to have consisted primarily of N2, H2O, and CO2, with smaller amounts of CO, H2, and CH4.

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

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The law of ________ states that a sedimentary rocks accumulate in an untilted geometry

Fill in the blank(s) with correct word

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

For the following acid-base reaction, identify what is formed in the space marked. HF + KOH ? ? + H2O

A) KF B) H3OF C) KOH2 D) KOH2F E) none of the above

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

What is the fundamental cause of horizontal pressure differences in the atmosphere?

What will be an ideal response?

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

What is the likely source of methane in Mars atmosphere?

A) Mars landings of exploration vehicles such as Spirit B) ongoing volcanic activity C) the decomposition of the residue deposits left from Mars oceans D) the absorption of Phobos' (Mars' larger, inner moon) methane atmosphere through gravitation

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences