Volcanism and lava lakes on primordial Earth, animation
Animation of volcanism and lava lakes on primordial Earth. In ancient times, volcanic eruptions dominated the landscape, with molten lava flows and ash clouds reshaping the terrain, while the Moon hung low in a sulphur-laden sky. During Earth's early years, continuous volcanism covered the planet with lava and basalt plains. The atmosphere, filled with gases like carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide from eruptions, created a strong greenhouse effect. As the planet cooled, these volcanic remnants solidified into hardened lava fields, marking the transition to a stable crust. These chaotic conditions defined early Earth's geology and set the stage for the chemical evolution that would eventually lead to life.