Geology 135: Formation of Earth

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What is a major characteristic of planets with large rock/ice cores?

Abundant free oxygen

High temperature atmospheres

Less massive gas envelopes (correct)

No presence of water

What was the primary component of Earth's early atmosphere during the Hadean?

Nitrogen

Methane

Free oxygen

Carbon dioxide (correct)

What significant event marks the end of the Hadean era?

Dramatic increase in impact rates

Widespread presence of life on Venus

Initial molten silicate surface

Stable liquid water ocean on Earth (correct)

What process follows condensation in the formation of terrestrial planets?

Accretion Signup and view all the answers

Why do terrestrial planets lack gas envelopes?

High temperatures in gas make it unstable Signup and view all the answers

What event led to the formation of the moon during the Hadean era?

Collision of Earth with a Mars-sized protoplanet Signup and view all the answers

Which process is essential for the formation of giant planets?

Hydrogen accretion Signup and view all the answers

What marked the beginning of the Hadean era?

Formation of the Earth Signup and view all the answers

What is one significant effect of the giant impact hypothesis?

Creation of the Earth's rapid spin Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic makes the Moon unique compared to other satellites in the solar system?

It is remarkably heavy for a satellite Signup and view all the answers

What process is described as 'Fe core fm.' approximately 100 million years after accretion?

Formation of Earth's iron core Signup and view all the answers

What is the major reason for the Moon's low density compared to other inner solar system bodies?

It has an iron-poor surface Signup and view all the answers

Who first suggested that the solar system formed from a collapsing cloud of gas?

Immanuel Kant Signup and view all the answers

How does the Moon contribute to the Earth's climate stability?

By stabilizing Earth's obliquity Signup and view all the answers

Which compounds can form at temperatures below 2000°K in the nebular condensation sequence?

Silicates and nickel-iron Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the sources of heat during Earth's formation?

Radioactive decay Signup and view all the answers

Which planet has a retrograde spin axis at 177.4° to the orbital plane?

Venus Signup and view all the answers

What is the main composition of terrestrial planets like Mercury and Mars?

Silicates and metals Signup and view all the answers

In the Solar Nebula Theory, what initiates the birth of the Sun?

Hydrogen fusion Signup and view all the answers

Why is the Moon considered an important factor for our existence?

It regulates Earth's climate Signup and view all the answers

Which planets are described as having large rock and ice cores with massive gas envelopes?

Jupiter and Saturn Signup and view all the answers

What effect did gravity have on the interstellar cloud in the Solar Nebula Theory?

It concentrated more mass at the center Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate temperature required for hydrogen fusion to start?

A very high temperature (not numerically specified) Signup and view all the answers

Who revised the nebular hypothesis in the mid-20th century?

Weizäcker & Kuiper Signup and view all the answers