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Evolution of the Earth System

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Introduction to Earth and Planetary System Science

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Abstract

The origin and evolution of the earth system have been deciphered by various methodologies including (1) geochronology, (2) comparative planetology, (3) computer simulation, (4) isotope geochemistry, and (5) geology of past geologic events. Based on these methods, the following important topics concerning the ­origin and evolution of the earth system have been debated and elucidated: (1) What is the origin of earth? (2) Was primordial earth cold (the cold origin theory), or hot (the fireball origin theory)? (3) Was earth formed by heterogeneous accretion or homogeneous accretion? (4) When was the layered structure of the earth formed? (5) Were the atmosphere and oceans formed by rapid initial degassing or continuous degassing from the interior of the earth? (6) Were the primordial atmosphere and oceans reducing or oxidizing? (7) How did the atmosphere and oceans evolve? These subjects will be discussed below.

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  1. Department of Applied Chemistry, Keio University, Minato, Japan

    Naotatsu Shikazono (Professor)

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  1. Naotatsu Shikazono
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Shikazono, N. (2012). Evolution of the Earth System. In: Introduction to Earth and Planetary System Science. Springer, Tokyo. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-4-431-54058-8_6

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