C13.1 - The History of the Atmosphere

When was the Earth's atmosphere formed?

• 4.6 billion years ago

• 4.6 million years ago

• 46 billion years ago

• 46 million years ago

What was the Earth's early atmosphere like ?

• Similar to Mars and Venus. A large amount of carbon dioxide, little or no oxygen, and small amounts of other gases, such as ammonia and methane.

• Similar to Mercury. A large amount of oxygen, sodium and hydrogen.

• Similar to Jupiter. A large amount of hydrogen and helium.

• Similar to Pluto. A large amount of nitrogen.

One theory suggests that volcanoes released which gases?

• water vapour

• carbon dioxide

• oxygen

• nitrogen

As the Earth stabilised, what was the main gas of the atmosphere?

• methane

• nitrogen

• oxygen

• carbon dioxide

As the Earth stabilised, what other gases could have been present other than carbon dioxide?

• hydrogen

• water vapour

• nitrogen

• methane

• ammonia

Which is the best description of the origin of the Earth's oceans?

• water vapour condensed as the Earth cooled

• water leaked out from the Earth's core

• icy comets rained down on the surface of the Earth

What gas was not present in the early Earth's atmosphere?

• ammonia

• nitrogen

• oxygen

• hydrogen

Approximately when did the evolution of simple organisms happen?

• 2.7 billion years ago

• 0.7 billion years ago

• 4.2 billion years ago

• 1.7 billion years ago

Which processes do algae carry out?

• Chemosynthesis

• Respiration

• Photosynthesis

Which gas did photosynthesis release into the atmosphere?

• argon

• carbon dioxide

• sulfur dioxide

• oxygen