The earths atmosphere Flashcards
What is the primary gas present in the Earth’s early atmosphere?
Carbon dioxide (CO2)
True or False: The early atmosphere of Earth contained significant amounts of oxygen.
False
Fill in the blank: The process of ________ contributed to the formation of the Earth’s early atmosphere.
Volcanic outgassing
Which gas was likely absent from the early Earth’s atmosphere?
Oxygen (O2)
What role did photosynthetic organisms play in the change of the atmosphere?
They produced oxygen as a byproduct, leading to the Great Oxygenation Event.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following gases was NOT a major component of the early atmosphere? A) Methane B) Nitrogen C) Oxygen D) Water vapor
C) Oxygen
What is the Great Oxygenation Event?
A time when oxygen levels in the atmosphere increased significantly due to photosynthesis.
True or False: The early Earth’s atmosphere was primarily composed of nitrogen.
False
What was the impact of the early atmosphere on the development of life?
It created conditions that were hostile to life until oxygen levels increased.
Fill in the blank: The early atmosphere was rich in ________ and ________.
Carbon dioxide; water vapor
What is the significance of the Miller-Urey experiment?
It demonstrated that organic compounds could be synthesized from inorganic precursors under early Earth conditions.
Multiple Choice: Which gas contributed to the greenhouse effect in the early atmosphere? A) Helium B) Methane C) Oxygen D) Argon
B) Methane
What type of volcanic activity contributed to the early atmosphere?
Subaerial volcanic eruptions
True or False: The early atmosphere contained more water vapor than the current atmosphere.
True
What was the temperature range of the early Earth?
Very high, often exceeding 100 degrees Celsius.
Fill in the blank: The early atmosphere lacked ________, which is essential for most modern life forms.
Oxygen
What geological feature is associated with the release of gases into the early atmosphere?
Volcanoes
Which process led to the cooling of the Earth’s surface?
Condensation of water vapor into liquid water, forming oceans.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following was a significant consequence of the accumulation of oxygen in the atmosphere? A) Increase in temperature B) Formation of the ozone layer C) Decrease in biodiversity D) None of the above
B) Formation of the ozone layer
What are stromatolites?
Layered structures created by the activity of microbial mats, primarily cyanobacteria.
Fill in the blank: The transition from an anaerobic to an aerobic atmosphere was primarily driven by ________.
Photosynthesis
True or False: The atmosphere of early Earth was stable and unchanging.
False
What is the main source of energy for the early Earth?
Solar energy
What is the role of ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the early atmosphere?
It helped to break down water vapor and methane, leading to the formation of oxygen.
