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The evolution of the prebiotic atmosphere.

¹NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA.

Origins of Life

|January 1, 1984

Summary

Early Earth

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Area of Science:

Planetary Science
Atmospheric Science
Geochemistry

Background:

Early Earth experienced lower solar luminosity.
Prebiotic atmosphere composition and temperature are key research areas.

Purpose of the Study:

To model the Earth's prebiotic atmosphere's temperature and composition.
To investigate the impact of high CO2 on atmospheric oxidation.

Main Methods:

Utilized one-dimensional radiative convective models.
Employed photochemical models for atmospheric composition analysis.

Main Results:

High CO2 levels (100-1000x present) are necessary for a habitable surface temperature.
Enhanced CO2 facilitated production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and formaldehyde (H2CO).
Atmospheric H2 and O2 levels were constrained by H2O2-mediated iron oxidation.

Conclusions:

Prebiotic atmospheric conditions were likely regulated by high CO2 and photochemical processes.
The oxidation state of the early atmosphere was controlled, limiting O2 levels.

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