Earth: An Introduction to Physical Geology (12th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0134074254
ISBN 13: 978-0-13407-425-2

Chapter 22 - Section 22.2 - Birth of a Planet - Concept Checks - Page 73: 4

Answer

The Hadean period, around 4.6 to 4 billion years ago, was characterized by extreme conditions on Earth. During this time, the planet was still in the process of formation, and it was experiencing intense volcanic activity and frequent asteroid impacts. The Earth's surface was extremely hot, with temperatures exceeding 2,000 degrees Celsius (3,632 degrees Fahrenheit). There was no solid crust, and the surface was covered in a molten lava ocean. The atmosphere was mostly composed of gases released from volcanic activity, including water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, and ammonia. As the planet cooled, the water vapor started to condense, leading to the formation of the Earth's oceans. The Hadean was a turbulent and violent era, setting the stage for the subsequent development of the Earth's geology and atmosphere.

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