Question

Which of the following was not a role that water played in the development of the Earth's atmosphere?

1) the accumulation of water in ocean basins after about 3.8 Ga allowed carbon dioxide (CO₂) to be largely removed from the Earth's atmosphere
2) the break-up of water molecules in the atmosphere by ultraviolet radiation would have produced breathable oxygen (O₂)
3) the break-up of water molecules in the atmosphere by ultraviolet radiation would have produced ozone (O₃) that helps shield the surface of the Earth from ultraviolet radiation
4) the low solubility of nitrogen gas in water allowed the relative accumulation of nitrogen in the Earth's atmosphere after the oceans formed
5) the accumulation of water in ocean basins after about 3.8 Ga caused widespread dissolution of rock that release noble gases like argon, neon, helium and krypton into the atmosphere

Answer 1

Water played multiple roles in the development of Earth's atmosphere, including the removal of carbon dioxide, production of breathable oxygen and ozone, accumulation of nitrogen, and the release of noble gases.

Step-by-step explanation:

The role of water in the development of Earth's atmosphere can be understood as follows:

1. The accumulation of water in ocean basins after about 3.8 Ga allowed carbon dioxide (CO₂) to be largely removed from the Earth's atmosphere, reducing its concentration.
2. The break-up of water molecules in the atmosphere by ultraviolet radiation would have produced breathable oxygen (O₂), leading to the presence of oxygen in the atmosphere.
3. The break-up of water molecules in the atmosphere by ultraviolet radiation also produces ozone (O₃), which helps shield the surface of the Earth from ultraviolet radiation.
4. The low solubility of nitrogen gas in water allowed the relative accumulation of nitrogen in the Earth's atmosphere after the oceans formed.
5. The accumulation of water in ocean basins after about 3.8 Ga caused widespread dissolution of rock that released noble gases like argon, neon, helium, and krypton into the atmosphere.