Earth was formed about 4.54 billion years ago. Its first phase of existence, known as the Hadean Period (4.54-4 billion years ago), was characterized by extreme conditions. The planet was a molten mass with constant volcanic eruptions, and its surface was regularly impacted by meteorites and comets. However, even in this chaos, there could have been liquid oceans that formed in the atmosphere from carbon dioxide and nitrogen.
The name of the period comes from the Greek god of the underworld, Hades, highlighting the hot and hostile climate of early Earth. However, recent research suggests that these conditions may have been less extreme than previously thought. Water was brought to the planet by comets or released from volcanic gases. Gradually, the Earth’s crust cooled and solidified, leading to the formation of the first continents separated by oceans.
A team of researchers at the University of California, led by Christopher Jones, studied the evolution of the Earth, in particular the possibility of the origin of life in the conditions of Hadean. Their work covered microbiology, atmospheric chemistry, geochemistry, and planetology. They analyzed how changes in the formation of the Earth’s crust, atmosphere, and hydrothermal processes affected the potential for the emergence of organic life.
The study also examined the effects of cosmic factors, particularly comets, which could change the chemical composition of the atmosphere. In addition, similar processes in the Solar System were compared to understand whether such conditions could be replicated on other planets.
Scientists have concluded that the early Earth probably had liquid water, although debate about the existence of continents and their composition continues. These factors influence how and when life may have established itself on the planet. There is an assumption that by the end of the Hadean, life already existed and left traces in the geologic sediments of the Archean period.
Although the article leaves many questions open, it makes an important contribution to understanding the conditions under which life may have arisen on Earth.
We previously reported on how new details about the formation of the Earth were revealed.
Provided by Universe Today
