Development and evolution of key physical systems

  Discuss the development and evolution of key physical systems (oceans, atmosphere, etc.) during Earth’s early history (first few billion years), and how they have influenced the habitability of the planet. Mandatory references: 1. Carlson, R. W., E. Gamero, T. M. Harrison, J. Li, M. Manga, W. F. McDonough, S. Mukhopadhyay, B. Romanowicz, D. Rubie, and Q. Williams (2014), How did early Earth become our modem world?, Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences, 42, 151-178 2. Arndt, N. T., and E. G. Nisbet (2012), Processes on the young Earth and the habitats of early life, Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences, 40, 521-549 3. Nisbet, E., and N. Sleep (2001), The habitat and nature of early life, Nature, 409(6823), 1083-1091