7 ways the Earth has changed over about 4.5 billion years

In the early stages of our solar system, the Sun, planets, and moons formed and quickly assumed the positions we know today.

However, our planet Earth has undergone a remarkable array of transformations, making it almost unrecognizable about 4.5 billion years ago. Below you will read the most prominent and impressive changes that have occurred on Earth over time, from the beginning of our planet's creation until today.

The solar system formed about 4.6 billion years ago. Ultimately, eight planets emerged after a massive collision that created Earth's moon.

7 ways the Earth has changed over about 4.5 billion years

• Atmosphere composition
• Tectonic plates
• Duration of the day
• Distance from the moon
• Repeated collisions
• The existence of life
• Sun effect

Atmosphere composition

Hydrogen and helium dominated our planet from early times. Volcanic and biological activities have dramatically transformed the Earth. Today, the nitrogen/oxygen atmosphere contains the elements water, argon, and carbon dioxide.

Tectonic plates

The early Earth was rich in lava and its inner layers were poorly differentiated. Tectonic plates, with their strong energy gradients, are an indisputable fact today.

Duration of the day

In ancient times, the Earth rotated 360 degrees in just 6-8 hours. The time of a “day” has been continuously lengthened and has reached 24 hours today.

Distance from the moon

At the time of initial formation, the Moon was only 24,000 kilometers away. Slowing tides cause it to move away, and the modern distance between it and Earth is 384,000 km.

Repeated collisions

In ancient times, collisions of planets and elements were common throughout the solar system. Data from Mars and the Moon show a striking reduction in crater impacts.

The existence of life

Originally, the land was completely uninhabited. For more than 3.8 billion years, life has changed the Earth's biosphere.

Sun effect

The sun's brightness has increased by 40% over the past 4.5 billion years. It is estimated that within 1 to 2 billion years the Earth's oceans will boil due to unusually high temperatures.