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How do scientists determine levels of atmospheric gases in the past ?
Faloren said:Usually ice cores. Antarctic ice can be millions of years old and gases dissolved or simply trapped as bubbles in water are preserved over time. When the ice is bored out and examined, it's possible to look at the traces of different gases present - this is frequently done for carbon dioxide measurements.
klimatos said:the average number of gas molecule collisions with the surrounding ice walls is some 3e+27 times per square meter per second.
Yes Studiot, I agree, I couldn't find two theories that completely agreed, this one seemed to have more items that appeared in other places, but it's overly simplified and incomplete.Studiot said:There are a lot of probablys and perhaps' and might haves in you reference, Evo.
It is still a good reference, but it should be borne in mind that it mixes unproven theory (speculation) with fairly well proven theory.
There are other competing theories about.
The Earth's atmosphere a long time ago was mostly made up of carbon dioxide, with smaller amounts of methane, ammonia, and water vapor. There was also virtually no oxygen present.
The Earth's atmosphere has changed significantly over time. Initially, it was mostly made up of carbon dioxide, but over millions of years, photosynthetic organisms evolved and released oxygen into the atmosphere. This led to an increase in oxygen levels and a decrease in carbon dioxide levels. Additionally, human activities such as burning fossil fuels have also contributed to changes in the atmosphere, such as an increase in greenhouse gases.
The early Earth's atmosphere, with its high levels of carbon dioxide, methane, and ammonia, was inhospitable to most life forms as we know them today. However, some microorganisms were able to thrive in these conditions, using these gases for energy. As the atmosphere changed and oxygen levels increased, more complex life forms were able to evolve and thrive.
Scientists study the Earth's ancient atmosphere through various methods such as analyzing air bubbles trapped in ice cores, studying rock layers, and examining fossilized remains of plants and animals. By looking at the chemical and physical properties of these samples, scientists can make inferences about the composition and conditions of the Earth's ancient atmosphere.
Studying the Earth's ancient atmosphere can provide valuable insights into how it has changed over time and how it is affected by natural processes. This information can also help us understand the role of human activities in current climate change. By comparing past atmospheric conditions to present ones, scientists can better understand the long-term effects of human actions on the Earth's atmosphere and climate.