...environmental change? The origin of life and earth is still one of the greatest mysteries scientists have yet to solve. Modern day science and technology allow us to make theoretically correct assumptions about the past. According to research, it is evident that the earth’s environment and life have been evolving since the beginning of time, which is still evident today as ecosystems and environments continue to change. Three theories that help explain the evolutionary history of our natural world and ongoing environmental change include natural selection, neutral theory of molecular evolution, and the transition into the Anthropocene epoch. Natural selection theory argues that life forms evolve in response to the changes in the environment. Neutral theory of molecular change argues that changes occur in organisms at a constant rate over time without the influence of the environment. Anthropocene is a relatively new term that suggests we have transitioned from the Holocene era to the Anthropocene, which is characterized human dominated activity. These theories are presented in various works, but this paper will focus on Life and the Evolution of Earth’s Atmosphere by Stephen J. Mojzsis, The Anthropocene: a new epoch of geological time? by Jan Zalasiewicz, Mark Williams, Alan Haywood, and Michael Ellis, and The Modern Molecular Clock by Lindell Bromham and David Penny. According to most scientists including Stephen Mojzsis (2001), the earth’s atmosphere and oceans appeared 4.5...
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...AST 309 part 2: Extraterrestrial Life The Origin and Evolution of Life on Earth Overview • The formation of Earth • Pre-biotic chemistry (Miller-Urey exp.) • First evidence for early life • The evolution of life • Extreme life on Earth: lessons for astrobiology A timeline for the very early history of the Earth The formation of Earth: The Earth formed over ~50 Myr via planetesimal accretion Earth differentiation: The iron "drops" follow gravity and accumulate towards the core. Lighter materials, such as silicate minerals, migrate upwards in exchange. These silicate-rich materials may well have risen to the surface in molten form, giving rise to an initial magma ocean Early Earth heats up due to radioactive decay, compression, and impacts. Over time the temperature of the planet interior rises towards the Femelting line. After the initial segregation into a central iron (+nickel) core and an outer silicate shell, further differentiation occurred into an inner (solid) and outer (liquid) core (a pressure effect: solid iron is more densely packed than liquid iron), the mantel (Fe+Mg silicates) and the crust (K+Na silicates). Initially large portions of the crust might have been molten - the so called magma ocean. The latter would have cooled to form a layer of basaltic crust (such as is present beneath the oceans today). Continental crust would have formed later. It is probable that the Earth’s initial crust was remelted several times due to impacts with large asteroids...
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...University of Phoenix Material Earth’s Dynamic Ocean and Atmosphere I Worksheet From Visualizing Earth Science, by Merali, Z., and Skinner, B. J, 2009, Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. Copyright 2009 by Wiley. Adapted with permission. Part 1 Sections 12.1 and 12.2 of the text discuss the origin and composition of the world ocean’s seawater. What is the current theory on the evolution of the world ocean? Discuss the origin of the salinity of seawater and how the ocean maintains salinity. A: The current theory on the evolution of the worlds ocean is that, it was possibly formed between four, and four and a half billion years ago. The oldest grain found was a grain called zircon. It was found in Australia. That element shows to have made contact with water, yet the origin of the water is still undetermined. Salinity of sea water is created as salt water evaporates. When sea water evaporates, three quarters of what is left is sodium chloride, which is table salt. The ocean maintains its salinity because it is constantly receiving fresh water from precipitation and tributaries. Minerals are also used by many different forms of sea life, thus resulting in sea water maintaining its salinity. Part 2 Surface currents obtain their energy from the wind blowing over the surface waters. The currents do not exactly follow the wind direction because of an apparent force known as the Coriolis force. Using Figure 12.11 from the text, briefly explain surface currents of the world ocean and how the Coriolis...
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...EARTH PERSPECTIVES The biological and geological future of the Earth can be extrapolated based upon the estimated effects of several long-term influences. These include the chemistry at the Earth's surface, the rate of cooling of the planet's interior, the gravitational interactions with other objects in the Solar System, and a steady increase in the Sun's luminosity. An uncertain factor in this extrapolation is the ongoing influence of technology introduced by humans, such as geoengineering, which could cause significant changes to the planet. The current biotic crisis is being caused by technology and the effects may last for up to five million years. In turn, technology may result in the extinction of humanity, leaving the planet to gradually return to a slower evolutionary pace resulting solely from long-term natural processes. Hawking: How Humankind Will Survive the Future Listen, people of Earth: Everything's going to be fine. All we have to do is survive another century or two without self-destructing as a species. Then we'll get off this rock, spread throughout space, and everything will be all right. If this is not your idea of "optimism," then you are not Stephen Hawking. The esteemed physicist garnered headlines, and some eye-rolls, after telling Big Think last week that humanity needs to leave the Earth in the future or face extinction. As The Atlantic noted: He's not knocking climate scientists' attempts to figure things out on Earth-he's just thinking long...
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...possibility that the hypothesis will never be proved. There are many theories on how life started on Earth. Before technology, the widely believed theory was Spontaneous generation, which was widely accepted due to religious beliefs in earlier years. The theory suggested that all animals and plants appeared from nothing buy there was no evidence to prove it and was later disproved by Redi. Another related theory was Special creation, which suggested that a God created all beings, again there is no evidence to prove or disprove this theory but is not accepted in the scientific community. One of the only theories that has supporting evidence is the biochemical evolution theory – In 1924, Oparin (a Russian scientist) produced one of the most influential scientific theories, that life on Earth had developed through a gradual evolution of carbon-based molecules in a ‘primordial soup’. At the same time as this, a Scottish biochemist by the name of John Haldane proposed a theory that was very similar. John Haldane and Alexander Oparin hypothesized that organic matter could be produced from inorganic matter when an energy source (such as UV light, heat and radiation) when combined and these organisms went from inside the ocean (the ‘primordial soup’) out onto land. They also...
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...than a scorching inferno of magma and vaporized rock, spitting up nothing more than magma volcanoes. This infant planet is very different from the one we know today. Its atmosphere is comprised of deadly gasses and probably had a sky the color of a pinkish-orange. Its oceans containing large quantities of dissolved iron were most likely a kind of brown color. Life on early Earth began with very little amounts of oxygen compared to the quantities we have today, it was comprised of primitive elements and very slowly evolved into the Earth we know today. Had you been on Earth all that time ago, when it was just beginning to evolve, you would have died with just a few deep breaths! Earth’s early atmosphere contained little or no oxygen. It was primarily comprised of carbon dioxide, water vapor, and nitrogen, with smaller amounts of carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, and hydrogen cyanide. Over time a controversial question emerged, could organic molecules assemble under the conditions on early Earth? In 1953, biochemists Stanley L. Miller and Harold C. Urey conducted an experiment to find these answers; they tested for what kind of environment would be needed to allow life to begin. To start they used water, methane, ammonia and hydrogen, component believed to represent major elements in early Earth’s atmosphere. These chemicals were all sealed and circulated inside a sterile array of glass tubes connected together in a loop, with one sterile flask with, and another flask containing...
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...Mission Name: Juno Objective: To improve our understanding of the solar system’s beginnings by revealing the origin and evolution of Jupiter. Mission Type: Orbit. Encounter date: July 2016 Operational dates: August 2011- October 2017 Launch Vehicle: United Launch Alliance Atlas V-551 Lab/Agency: Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California/ NASA Scientific Instruments: - Microwave Radiometer – analyze the deep atmosphere at radio wavelengths of 1.3 cm to 50 cm. Uses six separate radiometers to measure the thermal emissions - Infrared Auroral Mapper – analyze the atmosphere down to pressures of 5-7 bars at wavelengths of 2-5 µm. Uses both a imager and spectrometer to create high definition images of the poles and how they relate to the magnetic field and magnetosphere. - Ultraviolet Spectrograph – measures the atmosphere in the 78 – 172 nm range. Also includes an imager and spectrometer to analyze the source of the atmospheric emmisions. Sources: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/juno/spacecraft/index.html http://newfrontiers.nasa.gov/missions_juno.html http://juno.wisc.edu/spacecraft_instruments.html http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-14412988 http://trs-new.jpl.nasa.gov/dspace/bitstream/2014/40566/1/07-2266.pdf Juno was launched August 5, 2011 from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The main mission of Juno was to understand the making of Jupiter and possibly all the other planets in the Universe. The main...
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...Evolution and Theory of Plate Tectonics The most important and vital development of plate tectonic theory and evolution appeared to be among the most crucial scientific achievements in the 20th century. The theory concept offers a relevant structure towards the knowledge of all natural Earth attributes. It additionally provides one particular framework with regard to the knowledge of both planet's origin and outlook. Notably, the evolution of life on the planet remains significantly impacted by plate tectonic processes. This may involve the historic, societal, and cultural advancement of humanity. In other words, plate tectonic theory is an encompassing conjecture regarding different scientific theories that demonstrate the naturally occurring Earth characteristics have actually formed the historical past from the solid Earth, the oceans, the atmosphere, and all life organisms. Many scientific theories are so well established that no new evidence is likely to alter them substantially. For example, no new evidence will demonstrate that the Earth does not orbit around the sun (heliocentric theory), or that living things are not made of cells (cell theory), that matter is not composed of atoms, or that the surface of the Earth is not divided into solid plates that have moved over geological timescales (the theory of plate tectonics). Like these other foundational scientific theories, the theory of evolution is supported by so many observations and confirming experiments...
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...traditionally divided into two broad areas- physical and historical. Physical geology examines the merials comprising Earth and seeks to understand the many processes that operate beneath and upone its surface. Historical geology is to understand the origin of Earth and the evolution of the planet through its 4.6 billion year history. Oceanography- Is not actually a separate and distint science. Rather is involves the application of all sciences in a comprehensive and interrelated study of the oceans in all their aspects and relationships. It intergrates chemistry, physics, geology, and biology. Meterology- is the study of the atmosphere and the processes that produce weather and climate. Like oceanography, meterology involves the application of other sciences in an intergrated study of the thin layer of air that surronds eather. Astronomy- the study of the universe- it useful in determining the orginis of our own environment. (Page 4-5) * Be able to name and define each of the earth’s “spheres” (geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, biosphere). Hydrosphere- is a dynamic mass of water that is continually moving, evaporationg fomr the ocenas to the atmosphere, precipitation to the land, and flowing bacj to the ocean. (page 6) Atmosphere- Earth surrounded by a life-giving...
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...Evidence for a Snowball Earth Imagine a world so barren and so cold that life as we know it today could not exist. Some researchers have been able to track Earth’s glacial deposits to predict just that; a time in which our planet was coated with snow and ice extending from the poles all the way to the equator (Kaufman). We call this period of Earth a “snowball earth.” Scientist Paul Hoffman and his colleagues used Joseph Kirschvink’s suggestion that earth was once completely frozen during the Neoproterozoic period roughly 580-750 million years ago to research glacial deposits. Inherently they found thick deposits of calcium carbonates (cap carbonates) overlaying glaciers suggesting the snowball earth (Hoffman). It is evident in scientific debate that not everyone is able to accept the idea of a frozen Earth as other researchers such as Andrew Knoll and Martin Kennedy have rejected the idea as they pose other solutions for cap carbonate deposits. This is a perfect example of the progress of science as a whole; scientists are constantly making new observations to develop solutions which are then accepted, rejected, and retested by others. The snowball earth hypothesis and controversy together reveals the significance of innovation and scientific debate to the progress of science. The snowball earth hypothesis was first introduced by Joseph Kirschvink after years of other scientists finding peculiar continuous layers of limestone (calcium carbonate rock) or dolostone (magnesian...
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...Disclaimer: The material included in this Study Guide is to focus your studying and hopefully provide you with a better understanding of the materials covered in my lectures and the book. It is not meant to be a complete and definitive outline of all the material that may or will asked in exam questions. It is a “Guide” and is not intended in any way to replace reading of the text, attending class and taking comprehensive notes on the material presented in class. Captain Anderson Introduction: History and Evolution of the Earth and its Oceans Match the term or person with the appropriate phrase. You may use each answer once, more than once or not at all. A) first European explorer to see the Pacific Ocean B) led voyage that first circumnavigated the globe C) used ecological approach to solve fisheries problem D) mapped world with Roman knowledge showing latitude and longitude E) first determination of Earth's circumference F) led voyage that first used the marine chronometer G) made important observations about drift of sea ice H) mapped the Mediterranean Sea for the Greeks I) established impermanent settlement in North America and the first Europeans to explore Iceland and Greenland J) incorrectly concluded that no life exists in deep ocean 1) Balboa 2) Eratosthenes 3) Magellan 4) Ptolemy 5) Vikings Match the term with the appropriate phrase. You may use each answer once, more than once or not at all. A) the Sun and the eight major planets...
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...Evolution Through the Solar System Abstract Over the course the class has been about many different things through our solar system, land features, and more. This week we had to put together a paper describing how evolution has taken place through our solar system. The main objectives of the paper are to include the formation of the planets, the motion of the planets, the early revolution. Also, discussed is the scientists who discovered these properties of our solar system. For example Copernicus, Newton, Galileo, and Kepler. These scientists have all created or in some way helped to discover something new about our solar system. Evolution Through the Solar System Though scientists have been studying the solar systems for years. There are still discoveries made each year. Many of the discoveries have been interesting from the formation and motion of the planets, the early revolution of the planets, and the scientists who discovered what we know today. Formation Scientists have been studying the origin of our solar system for hundreds of years. Some findings are well supported while others are not as well received. The best news is we are not done concluding the formation of our solar system just yet. In 2006, the distant ice-covered body known as Pluto was reclassified as a dwarf and changed the model of our solar system from nine planets to eight. Today a planet is defined as, “A full-fledged planet is an object that orbits the sun and is large enough to have...
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...each of these. Geology is the study of Earth divided into two broad areas –Physical and historical. Physical Geology examines the materials comprising earth, Historical Geology is to understand the origin of earth. Meteorolgy is the study of the Atomosphere and the processes that produce weather and climates. Oceanography integrates chemistry, physics, geology, and biology. It includes the study of composition and movements of seawater, as well as coastal processes, seafloor topography, and marine life. Astronomy is the study of the universe. * Be able to name and define each of the earth’s “spheres” (geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, biosphere).The Geosphere (Solid-Earth) lies beneath the atomosphere and the ocean. It extends from the surface to the center of the planet 6400 Kilometers of depth. The largest of all Spheres. The Hydrosphere is a dynamic mass of water that is continually moving, evaporating from the oceans to the atomosphere, reaching land and flowing back to the ocean. Blankets 71% of the earth’s surface. Depth of 3800 meters. The Atomosphere is the life giving gaseous envelope. It is a very shallow layer. The energy exchanges between the atomosphere and space produces weather and climate. Biosphere includes all life on earth. * How much of the earth’s surface is covered by oceans? 71% * What are the compositional layers of the earth (crust, mantle, core)? Be able to describe each layer (generally). The Crust is a light and very thin outer...
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...Natural Science (INT1) Task 1 The Changing Nature Of Science Evolution Evolution :- All living beings have developed over time from ancestors through a series of changes. That life has changed over long periods of time, with all forms of life related to one another, is a scientifically well-established fact. There are two aspects of evolution today. First, evolution is the organizing principle for all of biology. Just as we are offspring from our parents, and our grandparents before them, and so on, all living organisms today are inclined from organisms that lived in the past. Understanding how and why these ancestor-descendent lineages have changed through time helps us appreciate the diversity of life we see today. Genetics, anatomy, physiology, neurology, morphology, and behavior all of these aspects of living organisms have evolved through time. The study of the evolutionary processes that produced these traits provides the comprehensive framework for understanding them. Theory Of Evolution Evolution Theory: - Evolution is technically defined as: "a gradual process in which something changes into a different and usually more complex or better form." As it is most famously used, "evolution" is the process by which an organism becomes more sophisticated over time and in response to its environment. The Theory of Evolution is currently the most popular concept of how life reached its current state. Evolution as a biological mechanism is driven by natural selection. This...
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...The Origin of the Moon: discussion on the gradual perfection of proposed hypotheses Introduction The Moon is the easiest and most familiar object that human can catch in the clear night. The Moon as known as our Earth’s only natural satellite is indicated by Rick Carlson in recent research to have an age of between 4.40 and 4.45 billion years, which is not long after the origin of the Earth. However, the origin of the Moon is still not defined and further research on this topic is continuous. The exploration of formation of the Moon is gradually per fected by the various proposed theories started from 1878 to nowadays. This research essay will discuss both the past and present hypotheses of origin of the Moon. The past hypotheses also known as “The Big Three” referring to Fission, Capture and Accretion hypotheses are popular in different times and centuries before the Apollo mission flew in 1972 (Tyson, 2000). However, the study on the moon rock brought by Apollo’s program gives unavailable clues for “The Big Three”(Tyson, 2000). Nowadays, the Giant Impact Hypothesis is regarded as the most leading theory that is most accepted in present. Nevertheless, it is widely accepted, some studies supported this theory; others may create new theory to challenge this Giant Impact Hypothesis, which make this hypothesis still arguable. However, whatever these hypotheses failed or will achieve, they bring a better understanding on the formation of planet’s satellites in our Solar System (Zhong...
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