Earth's early history shaped by geological processes from "summary" of A Short History of the World . by H. G. Wells
The story of our Earth begins long before the first human walked on its surface. It starts with the formation of the planet itself, a process that took billions of years. During this time, powerful geological processes were at work, shaping the land, the seas, and the atmosphere. The early Earth was a turbulent place, with volcanoes erupting, earthquakes shaking the ground, and oceans forming and evaporating. These processes were driven by the heat trapped within the planet, a remnant of its formation from a spinning cloud of dust and gas. One of the key geological processes that shaped the early Earth was plate tectonics. This is the movement of the Earth's lithosphere, or outer shell, on the semi-fluid asthenosphere beneath it. As the plates move, they collide, slide past each other, or pull apart, creating mountains, valleys, and oceans. Another important process was erosion, where wind, water, and ice wore down the land, shaping it into valleys, canyons, and plains. This constant wearing away and rebuilding of the Earth's surface continues to this day, albeit at a slower pace than in the past. The early Earth was also bombarded by asteroids and comets, which left craters on its surface and may have brought water and organic molecules that were essential for life to develop. These impacts were catastrophic events, but they also played a role in shaping the planet and making it more hospitable for life. In summary, the early history of the Earth was shaped by a complex interplay of geological processes, from the movement of tectonic plates to the erosion caused by wind and water. These processes continue to shape the planet today, creating the landscapes we see around us and influencing the course of life on Earth.
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