Oceans formed as rainwater accumulated in vast depressions on Earth's surface after the planet cooled down.
Here's a more detailed breakdown of the process:
Cooling of the Earth's Surface
- Early Earth was extremely hot, preventing liquid water from existing on the surface.
- As the planet gradually cooled, the surface temperature eventually dropped below the boiling point of water (100°C or 212°F).
Rain and Water Accumulation
- Once the Earth's surface was cool enough, water vapor in the atmosphere condensed and fell as rain.
- This rainfall persisted for centuries, perhaps even millennia.
Formation of Primeval Oceans
- The continuous rainfall drained into the large, existing hollows and basins on the Earth's surface.
- Over time, these basins filled with water, giving rise to the primeval oceans.
Role of Gravity
- Earth's gravity is crucial in retaining the water. It prevents the water molecules from escaping into space.
In essence, the oceans are the result of a long and continuous period of cooling and rainfall that filled the depressions on Earth's surface, all held in place by gravity.
