Download or read book Evolution of Early Earth's Atmosphere, Hydrosphere, and Biosphere written by Stephen E. Kesler and published by Geological Society of America. This book was released on 2006-01-01 with total page 350 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "The history of Earth's early atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere, from Hadean through Proterozoic time, is one of geology's enduring puzzles. Ore deposits provide important insights into this history because they contain elements and minerals that are highly sensitive to the geochemical environment in which they form. Just what these minerals tell us remains a matter of considerable debate, however. When and how did life develop, an oxygen-rich atmosphere form, and sulfate dominate the ocean? This volume contains reports on these questions from both sides of the aisle for iron and manganese formations, uranium paleoplacers and hydrothermal deposits, and exhalative sulfides and oxides."--Publisher's website.