ERTH 6 (Jan 23)

Archean Eon

A geological eon lasting from 4.0 to 2.5 billion years ago, characterized by a hot environment, methane-rich atmosphere, and the emergence of early life.

Silicate Weathering Feedback

A process where rain containing carbonic acid weathers rocks, takes ions to the ocean, and promotes carbonate precipitation.

Plate Tectonics

A geological theory explaining the movement of tectonic plates that reshapes Earth's surface and supplies nutrients essential for marine ecosystems.

Paleomagnetic Evidence

Geological evidence indicating the past positions of Earth's magnetic field and its relevance to tectonic plate movements.

Metabolism

A set of chemical reactions enabling organisms to convert food into energy, consisting of catabolism and anabolism.

Catabolism

The metabolic pathway that breaks down molecules to produce energy.

Anabolism

The metabolic pathway that uses energy to construct cellular components.

Biosignatures

Indicators or patterns, often chemical, that signify the presence of life or past life.

Rock Records

Geological layers that document the history of life on Earth through fossils and molecular evidence.

Molecular Clocks

A method using DNA sequences to trace evolutionary histories among species.

Biomarkers

Persistent molecules that provide evidence of past life and resist decomposition.

Signor-Lipps Effect

A phenomenon where the absence of fossil evidence does not confirm the absence of a species.

Chemoautotroph

An organism that derives energy from chemical reactions, often using inorganic substances.

Phototroph

An organism that harnesses light energy for metabolism.

Analytical Noise

Interference in data measurements caused by the sensitivity of the analytical instrument.