-
Question
How is Earth's atmosphere formed?
At the Earth's surface, the atmosphere consists of 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and 1% argon with traces of water vapor, carbon dioxide, and other gases. Variable amounts of dust particles and water droplets are also found suspended in the air. Three possibilities exist for the original source of the Earth's atmosphere. 1) the atmosphere could have been formed with the rest of the Earth, as it accumulated from the debris left over from the formation of the Sun; 2) it could have been released from the interior through volcanic activity, subsequent to the formation of the Earth; or 3) the atmosphere may have been derived from impacts by comets or other icy materials from the outer parts of the solar system.
December 11, 2001
- How frequently are questions answered?
- I asked a question but there was no answer?
- Who is the Astrobiologist answering these questions?
- Will I get an email when my question is answered?
- What college courses should I take to become an astrobiologist?
- How can I get a job as an astrobiologist at NASA?
- Have aliens visited Earth? Are UFOs real?
- Is there a planet or brown dwarf called Nibiru or Eris that is approaching the Earth and threatening our planet with widespread destruction?
- Is it true that the Sun will be in the center of the Milky Way Galaxy in December 2012 and that this will cause a pole shift and massive destruction.
- Has NASA discovered life on other worlds?
- Astrobiology Career Path Suggestions
