How hydrogen escape may have helped oxygenate Earth

Hydrogen escaping into space may have helped oxygenate Earth

Ultraviolet light broke methane in Earth's early atmosphere apart. Some of the hydrogen could then escape into space. Losing hydrogen may have left the planet more chemically ready for oxygen to build up in the atmosphere.

Lake Nyos could release gas without an outside trigger

In 1986, deep water in Cameroon’s Lake Nyos held carbon dioxide and was unstable because of temperature-based layering. Rising bubbles could pull up more gas-rich water, setting off an overturn that released gas and fed on itself. No landslide or other outside event was needed.

A Roman law code shaped laws beyond Europe

Justinian’s compilation of Roman law reached Western Europe in the 12th century and became a basis for much of mainland Europe’s law. European empires later carried its influence to the Americas and beyond.

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How hydrogen escape may have helped oxygenate Earth

Hydrogen escaping into space may have helped oxygenate Earth

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