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Chapter 9: Problem 1

Place in chronological order the following steps in the formation and evolution of Earth's atmosphere. a. Plant life converts \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\) to oxygen. b. Hydrogen and helium are lost from the atmosphere. c. Volcanoes, comets, and asteroids increase the inventory of volatile matter. d. Hydrogen and helium are captured from the protoplanetary disk. e. Oxygen enables the growth of new life-forms. f. Life releases \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\) from the subsurface into the atmosphere.

Short Answer

Expert verified
d, b, c, a, f, e

Step by step solution

01

Initial Formation

The first gases to capture from the protoplanetary disk are hydrogen and helium. These lightest elements are abundant in the early stages of planetary formation. Answer: d. Hydrogen and helium are captured from the protoplanetary disk.
02

Atmospheric Loss

Next, due to the Earth's relatively low gravity and solar winds, hydrogen and helium are lost from the atmosphere. Answer: b. Hydrogen and helium are lost from the atmosphere.
03

Volatile Matter Addition

Volcanoes, comets, and asteroids contribute additional volatile matter to Earth's atmosphere, enriching it with gases like water vapor, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen. Answer: c. Volcanoes, comets, and asteroids increase the inventory of volatile matter.
04

Photosynthesis Begins

Plant life begins to appear, using photosynthesis to convert \(\text{CO}_2\) into oxygen, altering the composition of the atmosphere. Answer: a. Plant life converts \(\text{CO}_2\) to oxygen.
05

Release of CO2

Life forms, such as bacteria and other organisms, release \(\text{CO}_2\) from the subsurface into the atmosphere, further contributing to the atmospheric composition. Answer: f. Life releases CO_2 from the subsurface into the atmosphere.
06

Growth of New Life-Forms

The increase in oxygen levels enables the growth of new life-forms that depend on oxygen for survival. Answer: e. Oxygen enables the growth of new life-forms.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

protoplanetary disk
The protoplanetary disk is a rotating disk of dense gas and dust surrounding a newly formed star. This disk is the birthplace of planets, moons, and other celestial bodies.

During the early formation of Earth, hydrogen and helium were captured from the protoplanetary disk. These elements are the lightest and most abundant in the universe. They initially formed Earth's primary atmosphere.
photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is a critical biological process that transformed Earth's atmosphere.

This process involves plants, algae, and certain bacteria using sunlight to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) and water into oxygen and glucose.

During Earth's history, photosynthesis started producing large amounts of oxygen, drastically changing the atmospheric composition and enabling complex life forms to evolve.
volcanic activity
Volcanic activity has played a significant role in shaping Earth's atmosphere.

When volcanoes erupt, they release gases such as water vapor, carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen. These volatile substances contributed to Earth's secondary atmosphere and helped maintain the planet's temperature and climate.

Additionally, volcanic activity allowed for the continuous recycling of vital elements through the planet's geological processes.
atmospheric composition
The composition of Earth's atmosphere has evolved significantly over time.

Initially, the atmosphere was primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, which were later lost due to solar winds and Earth's low gravity.

Volcanic eruptions, comets, and asteroids introduced new gases like water vapor, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen.

Finally, the advent of photosynthesis dramatically increased oxygen levels, leading to the present atmospheric composition of approximately 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and trace amounts of other gases.
solar winds
Solar winds are streams of charged particles, mainly protons and electrons, emitted from the Sun's upper atmosphere. They interact with Earth's magnetosphere and atmosphere.

Early in Earth's history, solar winds were responsible for stripping away the initial hydrogen and helium gases captured from the protoplanetary disk.

This process led to the loss of Earth's primary atmosphere and allowed for the accumulation of heavier gases that would later form the secondary atmosphere, which is essential for sustaining life.

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