Ancient gases

Courtesy of Jahnna Rymer:

Source: Science
By: Phil Berardelli
The next breath you take could have come beyond Pluto. Researchers studying the composition of ancient gases trapped in deep wells in New Mexico have found convincing evidence that some of our planet's atmosphere originated in the far reaches of the solar system. The discovery could change thinking about how Earth's atmosphere evolved. Since the 1950s, scientists have thought that as Earth congealed from the primordial cloud of dust and gases that also formed the sun and other planet. According to their believes the cloud of dust trapped particles forming a mantle and then over hundreds of years volcanic eruptions and gravity returned the gasses into space and then the mixing of these gases, with oxygen and other molecules formed the atmosphere where we are today.

The original purpose of the research was to study the pristine bubbles of volcanic gases trapped underground for billions of years. These bubbles had never made it to the surface before and therefore remained uncontaminated by the modern atmosphere. The conclusion established was that part of Earth's atmosphere must have arrived after the planet had fully formed possibly carried by comets that hit the planet and whose ice would have evaporated upon impact, leaving water vapor and traces of krypton, xenon, and other elements in the atmosphere.

This article relates to earth science because it shows how particles and planets contribute to the formation of the atmosphere, and it is important because it allows people to realize the magnificence of the planet. Another reason why this article is of importance is because it shows how science is a non-finishing cycle and how everyday new discoveries and advancements are made in science. It shows how one hypothesis or theory may be established but other possibilities might come along proving that the last hypothesis might have not been as convincing or completely right.