1-2: Evolution of the Earth's Atmosphere

Importance of this Unit to the Course

In order to understand the current composition and rates of change of the atmosphere and climate system described in Blocks 1 and 2, we need to gain an overview of how the atmosphere evolved to its present state. By knowing the natural composition and rates of change, we can better recognize human contribution to current changes.

Objectives

To understand how the composition of the atmosphere evolved to its present state.
To examine the agents and events that have caused this evolutionary process.

Preparation for Discussion (You must complete this section before class.)

Read the summary information. (Print text for offline review; images only.)

Take the Quiz over the summary information. (see your portfolio)

Review additional reading material (this material is not covered in the quiz, but offers more ideas for online discussion)

Discussion (online / face-to-face) (See your portfolio for due dates and times)

A major component of the course is participation in the online dialog. The following types of comments are required:

Social Comments
Knowledge-building Comments
Ethical Comments

The following may be used as discussion starters for the online dialog:

Unit Problem to Ponder:

Earth is the only planet we know of that has life. What role has biological life played in the evolution of the earth's atmosphere?
Unit exam questions from previous years
Unit discussions from previous years, available from the current online discussion

Additional Reading