In this episode, we discuss the Earth's early atmosphere.
Scientists generally agree that Earth's initial atmosphere, following its formation approximately 4.6 billion years ago, was heavily influenced by widespread and active volcanism.
These eruptions released significant quantities of carbon dioxide, along with lesser amounts of other gases like water vapour and methane, leading to a carbon dioxide-rich atmosphere akin to present-day Mars.
As the planet cooled, water vapour condensed to form oceans, which subsequently absorbed much of the atmospheric carbon dioxide through reactions that created carbonate sediments.
Over time, nitrogen levels in the atmosphere gradually increased, contributing to the evolution of Earth's air composition.
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