Comparing the formation of the atmospheres on Earth vs Venus

  • #1
stuartmacg
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TL;DR Summary
Could earth have had a Venus-sized atmosphere, lost by spin-moon effects
Read Venus stats for first time yesterday. Could the spin rate at accretion time reduce Earth's atmosphere relative to Venus, or are there moon tidal effects, e.g. mixing and carrying heat to upper atmosphere allowing escape velocity losses, to explain the 100 fold difference?

I have heard that Venus may have had an Earth-like climate initially?? The grey body temperature at Venus orbit is 45 degrees above earth's, and that ~100 fold gas pressure seems unlikely to have started from nothing, so I would expect some greenhouse effect - sounds a bit hot for life - and where did all the water go?
Did the lower H2O weight allow differential evaporation??
 
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  • #2
What research have you done? Are you familiar with the effects that solar wind had on the atmosphere of Venus?

And, by the way,
stuartmacg said:
I have heard that ...
Is not an acceptable citation here on PF. If you want to discuss something, it has to be based on a concrete statement from an acceptable source.
 
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Likes berkeman

1. How did the atmospheres on Earth and Venus form?

The atmospheres on Earth and Venus were formed through different processes. Earth's atmosphere was formed through outgassing, where gases trapped within the planet's interior were released through volcanic activity. On the other hand, Venus' atmosphere was formed through a process called runaway greenhouse effect, where high levels of carbon dioxide led to a thick and hot atmosphere.

2. Why is there a significant difference in the composition of the atmospheres on Earth and Venus?

The main reason for the difference in composition of the atmospheres on Earth and Venus is their distance from the Sun. Venus is closer to the Sun, which caused its atmosphere to experience a runaway greenhouse effect and trap high levels of carbon dioxide. Earth, on the other hand, is at a distance where the greenhouse effect is balanced, allowing for a diverse and stable atmosphere.

3. How does the atmosphere on Venus affect its surface temperature?

The thick atmosphere on Venus traps heat from the Sun, resulting in an extremely high surface temperature of around 460 degrees Celsius. This is due to the high levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, creating a strong greenhouse effect.

4. What role does the magnetic field play in the formation of the atmospheres on Earth and Venus?

The magnetic field of a planet plays a crucial role in protecting its atmosphere from solar wind and radiation. Earth has a strong magnetic field that protects its atmosphere, allowing it to retain its gases and develop a diverse atmosphere. Venus, on the other hand, has a weak magnetic field, which could not protect its atmosphere from being stripped away by solar wind over time.

5. Can the atmospheres on Earth and Venus change over time?

Yes, the atmospheres on both Earth and Venus can change over time. Earth's atmosphere has changed significantly throughout its history, with the levels of certain gases fluctuating due to natural processes and human activities. Venus' atmosphere has also changed over time, with the runaway greenhouse effect causing it to lose water and other gases, resulting in its current state.

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