Comment on "A hydrogen-rich early Earth atmosphere"

Science. 2006 Jan 6;311(5757):38; author reply 38. doi: 10.1126/science.1118412.

Abstract

Tian et al. (Reports, 13 May 2005, p. 1014) proposed a hydrogen-rich early atmosphere with slow hydrogen escape from a cold thermosphere. However, their model neglects the ultraviolet absorption of all gases other than H2. The model also neglects Earth's magnetic field, which affects the temperature and density of ions and promotes nonthermal escape of neutral hydrogen.

Publication types

  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Atmosphere*
  • Carbon Dioxide
  • Earth, Planet*
  • Evolution, Chemical
  • Helium
  • Hydrogen*
  • Organic Chemicals / chemistry
  • Temperature

Substances

  • Organic Chemicals
  • Carbon Dioxide
  • Helium
  • Hydrogen