Could Earth's Early Magnetic Field Have Trapped Hydrogen in the Atmosphere?

In summary, the early atmosphere on Earth may have had a strong magnetic field that trapped hydrogen within the atmosphere. This could have helped create the conditions necessary for life to emerge.
  • #1
daniel dahl
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could Earth's early magnetic field have been strong enough to trap hydrogen within the atmosphere?
 
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  • #3
if they were hydrogen ions emitted as solar wind
 
  • #4
Hydrogen ions, let's just call them protons, have a charge and a mass. When they encounter a magnetic field they will be deflected onto a different trajectory by a Lorentz_force. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lorentz_force
As a proton spirals down the converging magnetic field lines toward a magnetic pole, it may collide with ions in the upper atmosphere and so could be slowed and trapped.There is significant coupling between the solar wind and the Earth's magnetic field.
 
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Likes Elite Jacob
  • #5
Interesting question, Daniel. Are you wondering if this could have given the early atmosphere reducing properties, a condition often thought necessary for abiogenesis?
 
  • #6
Ophiolite said:
Interesting question, Daniel. Are you wondering if this could have given the early atmosphere reducing properties, a condition often thought necessary for abiogenesis?

Not any longer, since early mantle convection is now known to give local environments with the necessary redox differences. (Often around hydrothermal vents as they pass the differentiated and serpentinized minerals.) Instead a near neutral atmosphere would be conducive for life emergence, since the CO2 generates a slightly acidic ocean that contrasts to the mantle convection alkaline conditions and makes (local) organic production effective. Such conditions may seem constraining (less global organic production), but in fact increase the likelihood for life elsewhere since especially ice moons with oceans but also early cold, wet bodies like Mars have them.

Perhaps there were a slightly reducing excess due to hydrogen escape from the hot planet (and perhaps remaining and, yes, captured hydrogen). But too much of an excess and the upper atmosphere goes into hydrodynamic escape, hydrogen vents preferably. (But can remove some somewhat more massive molecules with the outflow.) I think the upper limit of hydrogen excess has been limited to 0.5 billion years from such considerations.
 

1. What is magnetic field strength?

Magnetic field strength is a measure of the intensity of a magnetic field at a specific point in space. It is represented by the symbol B and is measured in units of tesla (T) or gauss (G).

2. How is magnetic field strength measured?

Magnetic field strength is typically measured using a device called a magnetometer. This device uses sensors to detect the strength of the magnetic field at a particular location.

3. What factors affect the strength of a magnetic field?

The strength of a magnetic field is affected by the distance from the source of the field, the size and strength of the source, and the orientation of the source in relation to the measuring point. Additionally, the magnetic properties of the materials in the surrounding area can also impact the strength of the field.

4. How does magnetic field strength impact objects?

Magnetic field strength can impact objects in several ways. For example, objects made of ferromagnetic materials (such as iron, nickel, and cobalt) can become magnetized when exposed to a strong magnetic field. Additionally, charged particles in a magnetic field will experience a force, which can be used for applications such as particle accelerators.

5. How can magnetic field strength be manipulated?

Magnetic field strength can be manipulated using various methods. One common method is to use an electromagnet, which is created by running an electric current through a coil of wire. The strength of the magnetic field can be controlled by adjusting the amount of current running through the wire. Other methods include using magnetic shielding materials or changing the orientation of the source of the field.

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