The Solar Nebula Theory
On the terrestrial planets, gasses are released from the hot interior to form atmospheres.
- Volcanic processes release H2S, SO2, CO2, H2O, NH3, N2
- Solar UV radiation breaks apart NH3, hydrogen escapes, leaving N2
- Solar UV radiation also breaks apart H2O, hydrogen escapes leaving O, which reacts with rock to form solid oxides.
- H2O combines with H2S, and SO2 to make sulfuric and sulfurous acid. This eats away rock to form solid sulfates.
What’s left? CO2 and N2 in the atmosphere. Oxygen and Sulfur in the rocks. (Why is Earth’s atmosphere different?)