Which came first: life, or the Earth's peculiar atmosphere? Richard Wayne investigates...
Thursday 13 May, 18.00 for 18:30-20:00
The Chemistry Centre, London W1J 0BA
Our atmosphere has apparently not followed the laws of physics and chemistry for several billion years. It contains a disequilibrium mixture of oxidant and combustible fuels, quite unlike the atmospheres of our planetary neighbours Venus and Mars.
This lecture follows the history of our atmosphere using evidence from the geological and fossil records and explains when and how our atmosphere altered from its earliest composition. Oxygen, ozone and carbon dioxide are key chemical players in this story, and an understanding of the evolution of our ancient atmosphere can inform our response to present-day concerns such as ozone 'holes' and climate change.
This lecture is chaired by BBC Weatherman, Peter Gibbs.
Watch 'Our Planet's Peculiar Atmosphere' online on demand from The Chemistry Centre