Final answer:
Oceans formed from volcanic gases and extraterrestrial impacts changed the early Earth's atmosphere by supporting life development, specifically photosynthetic organisms like cyanobacteria, which increased atmospheric oxygen and led to the creation of the ozone layer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The oceans had a significant impact on the early atmosphere of Earth. When the planet cooled enough to form a solid crust, volcanic activity released gases like ammonia, methane, water vapor, and carbon dioxide, contributing to the formation of the atmosphere. The presence of water vapor allowed for the formation of clouds and precipitation, leading to the accumulation of oceans.
These oceans then played a critical role in the development of life and further altering the atmosphere, particularly with the emergence of photosynthesizing organisms like cyanobacteria that increased the oxygen content. The oxygenation of the atmosphere allowed for the expansion of life to land and the formation of the protective ozone layer.
The early atmosphere was vastly different from what we have today, being anoxic with hardly any oxygen. The theory suggests that the atmosphere either formed from the remnants of solar debris, geological emissions, or from impacts by comets and asteroids.
Ocean formation played a crucial role in climate regulation and atmospheric composition, which set Earth apart from other planets like Venus and Mars that have atmospheres with a high concentration of carbon dioxide due to the lack of water.
Oceans influenced the early Earth by modulating the temperature, absorbing carbon dioxide, and supporting the evolution of life that could photosynthesize, which eventually led to a more oxygen-rich atmosphere. This process was instrumental for the development of a habitable planet.