Trace the Major Processes in the Evolution of the Earth's

question 80

Essay

Trace the major processes in the evolution of the earth's atmosphere from its beginning to the present.

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Definitions:

Decompression Melting

The process where melting occurs in upwelling mantle material as it experiences lower pressures without a corresponding decrease in temperature, leading to magma formation.

Mantle-Derived Magmas

Magma that originates from the melting of the Earth's mantle, leading to volcanic activity.

Continental Crust

The layer of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks that forms the continents and continental shelves, characterized by its thickness and composition distinct from oceanic crust.

Mafic Basalt

A type of basaltic rock that is rich in magnesium and iron, characterized by its dark color and low silica content.