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Difficulty: EasyIdentifying Hypotheses and Beliefs

Two scientists present competing viewpoints on the origin of Earth's oceans.

Scientist 1
Earth’s liquid water originated primarily from volcanic outgassing during the planet's early history. As Earth cooled, water vapor released from molten rock condensed and fell as rain, filling the ocean basins. This water was entirely native to the materials that formed early Earth.

Scientist 2
Earth’s liquid water was delivered by comets and water-rich asteroids during the Late Heavy Bombardment, billions of years ago. The heat of early Earth would have vaporized and lost any original water. Therefore, Earth's oceans could only have formed from these external cosmic impacts.

Based on Scientist 1's viewpoint, which of the following statements best describes the origin of Earth's oceans?

  1. A
    Liquid water was delivered to Earth's surface by comets and water-rich asteroids.
  2. B
    Water vapor in the atmosphere was absorbed directly into molten rock to form subterranean reservoirs.
  3. Water vapor released from volcanic outgassing condensed into rain as the planet cooled.Answer
  4. D
    Early Earth's temperature increased, causing water-rich comets to vaporize before they reached the surface.

Answer

The correct answer states that water vapor released from volcanic outgassing condensed into rain as the planet cooled.
Scientist 1 argues that Earth's water was native to the planet and came from volcanic outgassing, which condensed into rain as the planet cooled. The correct option correctly captures this process.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Locate Scientist 1's description of water origin in the passage.
Scientist 1 states that water vapor was released from molten rock via volcanic outgassing, condensed as the planet cooled, and fell as rain.
To identify the specific mechanism proposed by Scientist 1 for ocean formation.
2
Compare Scientist 1's mechanism with the given options.
The statement describing water vapor released from volcanic outgassing condensing into rain matches Scientist 1's hypothesis.
To select the option that directly represents Scientist 1's belief.

Key Concept

Identifying Hypotheses and Beliefs
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Identifying Hypotheses and Beliefs

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