Popular science
The sea, also known as the ocean, covers more than 70% of the Earth's surface and is the most extensive body of water on Earth. The formation of the sea is a long process that involves a variety of factors such as geology, climate, biology, etc. Here are the main stages of the formation of the sea:
1. The birth and evolution of the earth
About 4.6 billion years ago, the Earth was born. At that time, the temperature of the earth was very high, and the surface of the earth was shrouded in a thick layer of primordial atmosphere, which contained gases such as hydrogen, helium, methane, etc. Later, the earth gradually cooled, and the water vapor in the atmosphere condensed into water droplets, forming the primordial ocean.
2. The formation of primordial oceans
The formation of the primordial ocean was a gradual process. At first, there were only sporadic lakes and rivers on the Earth's surface. With the activity of the Earth's interior, the earth's crust becomes unstable and volcanic activity is frequent. The gas and ash emitted by the volcano contain a large amount of water vapor, which gradually condenses into water droplets, forming rainfall. Rainfall continues to collect and form pristine lakes and rivers.
Over time, water from pristine lakes and rivers evaporates and water vapor gradually collects into the primeval atmosphere. When water vapour reaches saturation, rainfall is formed, which is again replenished into pristine lakes and rivers. This cycle is repeated, resulting in an ever-increasing amount of water in pristine lakes and rivers. Eventually, pristine lakes and rivers come together to form pristine oceans.
3. The evolution of the oceans
After the formation of the primordial oceans, the climatic conditions on the Earth's surface were still very harsh, with frequent volcanic activity and large fluctuations in temperature. In such conditions, the water in the primeval ocean is warm and rich in minerals. Over time, the climate on the Earth's surface has stabilized, volcanic activity has decreased, and temperatures have tended to be milder.
In this process, the water in the primordial ocean gradually cools, and the minerals in it precipitate out, forming the seabed. The organic matter in the seawater also gradually accumulated, forming primitive life forms. These primitive life forms gradually evolved to form a wide variety of marine life.
4. Interaction between the ocean and the atmosphere
As the oceans form and evolve, the interaction between the ocean and the atmosphere becomes increasingly important. There is an exchange of energy between the ocean and the atmosphere, which affects the climatic conditions of the planet. For example, the ocean absorbs and stores solar energy, which is then released in the form of long-wave radiation, which helps the Earth maintain temperature balance.
In addition, the interaction between the ocean and the atmosphere affects the global water cycle. When seawater evaporates, water vapor rises into the atmosphere and then condenses into raindrops elsewhere, which are replenished again into the ocean. This cycle is repeated over and over again, allowing water to circulate on the earth's surface, thus maintaining the planet's water balance.
In conclusion, the formation of the sea is a complex process that involves a variety of factors such as geology, climate, biology, etc. The formation of the primordial ocean was an important step in the evolution of the Earth, providing an environment for life on the Earth's surface. Over time, the interaction between the ocean and the atmosphere has intensified, shaping the planet's unique climatic conditions and ecosystems.