Question

Earth’s early atmosphere was very different from our current atmosphere. Explain the presence or absence of gases in our current atmosphere by matching them to a process.
Gases:


heavier gases


lighter gases


oxygen


carbon dioxide



Processes:


escaped into space


produced through photosynthesis


released by volcanoes


sank to the surface

Answer 1

Answer:

heavier gases - sank to the surface

lighter gases - escaped into space

oxygen - produced through photosynthesis

carbon dioxide - released by volcanoes

Explanation:

Since the formation of the atmosphere on Earth, there has been constant changes in it, gradually leading to the atmosphere that we have nowadays. In the distant past, the atmosphere was much different, and it took lot of time for it to become what it is. The volcanoes with their activity contributed to constant release of carbon dioxide, resulting in the greenhouse effect. The organisms that are able to perform photosynthesis started to release lot of oxygen into the atmosphere, thus setting up better living conditions. The gravity of our planet contributed to the vertical distribution of the gasses, with the heavier being lower, and the lighter ones being further up or released into space.