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The prebiological paleoatmosphere: stability and composition

J S Levine, T R Augustsson, M Natarajan

    Origins of Life
    |September 1, 1982
    PubMed
    Summary
    This summary is machine-generated.

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    The early Earth's atmosphere likely contained carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen (N2), not methane (CH4) and ammonia (NH3). This revised understanding impacts theories of chemical evolution and the origin of life.

    Area of Science:

    • Astrobiology
    • Geochemistry
    • Atmospheric Science

    Background:

    • Previous assumptions favored a methane (CH4) and ammonia (NH3) rich early atmosphere for chemical evolution.
    • This atmospheric composition was considered ideal for the nonbiological synthesis of organic molecules, precursors to life.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To re-evaluate the composition of Earth's early atmosphere using photochemical, geological, and geochemical evidence.
    • To determine the most plausible atmospheric conditions for prebiotic chemical evolution.

    Main Methods:

    • Photochemical modeling of atmospheric composition.
    • Analysis of geological and geochemical indicators of early atmospheric conditions.

    Main Results:

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  • Photochemical considerations suggest a methane (CH4) and ammonia (NH3) dominated atmosphere was likely short-lived or never existed.
  • An early atmosphere rich in carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen (N2) is favored by multiple lines of evidence.
  • Prebiological atmospheric oxygen levels are estimated to be extremely low, not exceeding 10(-7) of present levels.

    • Conclusions:

    • The prevailing view of a CH4-NH3 early atmosphere is challenged.
    • A CO2-N2 atmosphere provides a more robust framework for understanding early Earth chemical evolution.
    • The low oxygen content supports theories of a reducing or neutral early atmosphere.