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The Atoms and Molecules of Ancient Earth > Research Links
Chapter 2 describes the theory of chemical evolution, in which chemical compounds
formed in the atmosphere and oceans of ancient Earth. The Websites below reinforce the
basic concepts of chemistry to help you understand the different processes in the chemical evolution hypothesis.
2.1 The Ancient Earth
Astrobiology
Astrobiologists work in a field that seeks to understand the evolution of life on Earth by
studying the formation of other planets and moons in the solar system. This site describes
many of the basic ideas of astrobiology as well as current research in the field.
Keywords: astrobiology, extreme environment
Using Radiometric Dating
Radiometric dating is an essential technique that geologists use to determine the age of rocks
found at different layers. The Denver Basin Project uses techniques in radiometric dating to
investigate the fossil history, and evolutionary history, of a 2200-foot core sample acquired
near Denver, Colorado.
Keywords: geology, evolution, fossil, radiometric dating
2.2 The Building Blocks of Chemical Evolution
2.3 Chemical Reactions, Chemical Energy, and Chemical Evolution
Entropy
Understanding the laws of thermodynamics and the effects of entropy are important factors
in understanding chemical reactions and chemical evolution, and thus the origin of biological
molecules on Earth. This site contains articles on basic and advanced concepts in thermodynamics.
Keywords: entropy, energy, thermodynamics
Energy
As with entropy, the energy dynamics of biochemical reactions are essential to understanding
current theories of early biological molecules. This study site reviews the dynamics and kinetics
of chemical reactions and also contains problem sets for review.
Keywords: energy, enzyme, thermodynamics
2.4 The Composition of the Early Atmosphere: Redox Reactions and the Importance of Carbon
Atmospheric Chemistry of the Ancient Earth
The composition of the ancient atmosphere and the reactions that occurred there are central to
our studies of the origin of molecular life. This article describes how one scientist is
investigating the early atmosphere using current geological techniques.
Keywords: atoms, atmosphere
2.5 The Early Oceans and the Properties of Water
Studying the World's Oceans
Many biochemical reactions are dependent on the unique properties of water, and it is no
surprise that scientists believe the evolution of the first biological molecules took place
in the primordial world's oceans. This site describes how the general field of oceanography
seeks to understand the natural processes of the world's oceans.
Keywords: oceanography, water
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2003
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