S2 - Origin of Earth's Water and Formation of Earth's Atmosphere

Front

What role did cyanobacteria play in preparing Earth for life?

Back

Cyanobacteria, through photosynthesis, added large amounts of Oxygen into Earth's atmosphere, which was essential for the development of life.

Front

Which element is uniquely abundant in Earth's atmosphere due to biological processes?

Back

Oxygen is the element that is not abundant in the atmospheres of other planets because it is primarily released by life on Earth.

Front

Why is radioactive decay important for dating rocks and fossils?

Back

Radioactive isotopes decay at a constant, predictable rate, making them reliable for determining the age of rocks and fossils.

Front

What is hypothesized to be the source of Earth's first atmosphere after hydrogen and helium were removed?

Back

The first atmosphere is believed to have come from outgassing by volcanoes.

Front

Which gas is not emitted by modern volcanoes?

Back

Oxygen is not observed coming out of modern volcanoes.

Front

What are stromatolites?

Back

Stromatolites are layered structures created by the activity of cyanobacteria, which played a crucial role in oxygenating the atmosphere.

Front

What is outgassing?

Back

Outgassing is the release of gases from the Earth's interior, particularly from volcanic activity, contributing to the formation of the atmosphere.

Front

What is the significance of the Great Oxygenation Event?

Back

The Great Oxygenation Event was a time when oxygen levels in Earth's atmosphere rose significantly due to photosynthesis by cyanobacteria, allowing for the evolution of aerobic life.

Front

What is the primary gas released by volcanoes?

Back

The primary gases released by volcanoes include water vapor, carbon dioxide, and sulfur dioxide.

Front

How do scientists determine the age of the Earth?

Back

Scientists use radiometric dating techniques, which rely on the decay of radioactive isotopes to estimate the age of rocks and fossils.