How were Oceans formed?

 

Hello Kids! Welcome back to KidsCast for another time. It's time for learning another great and curiosity filled topic and you read it right from the title 'How were oceans formed'. Keep reading and have fun!

Early Earth

Kids, before learning how were oceans formed on earth, we must learn about the formation of the earth. Earth in its early stages was a ball of lava and gases. There were many volcanoes around. When many volcanic eruptions took place, there was a gas called water vapour. This gas became abundant in the young atmosphere of the earth. 

Change in climate

Suddenly, there was a change in the climate. The earth then cooled below 212 degrees of Fahrenheit. Now, it was 3.8 billion years ago, when the water vapour condensed due to the cool nature outside, it then rained. 

Rains for the First Time

It then rained for the first time on earth. It rained for years and years and continues till now. Billions of years ago, when it rained continuously for years, it filled up the basins and land and hence formed the oceans and seas.  

Salty Oceans

As it rained upon the rocks, the water eroded them and that water entered oceans. Rocks contained minerals and salts and so when that water entered the oceans, it made them rich in salts and minerals. 

How it continues to rain

As the sun shined, the water dried up and evaporated to form clouds and water vapour then condensed again to rain. This process repeats until now as we see rain. After oceans were formed, then only the water cycle began.

Another Theory

There is another theory about the formation of oceans on earth that is this:

Comets are huge chunks of ice and dust that were left after the formation of stars and other planets. Asteroids are large rocks that are known as minor planets. These were left behind when the planets and stars formed. 

Some scientists think that the oceans formed from comets, asteroids and meteors. Carbonaceous Chondrite, a kind of meteorite, has lots of water in it. Recently, scientists have found that the water in carbonaceous chondrites matches the water found on Earth! As the water drained into the great hollows on the surface of the Earth, the oceans came into existence and due to the gravitational force, the water could not leave the planet! This is another theory that is recent and relates to the formation of oceans.

So, kids, this is all for this short and crisp article. We have tried to give you all the knowledge from our side. Hope that you have got all the crux of this topic and have understood everything. We will soon be back with more amazing articles which will be more interesting and exciting. Till the time take care. Stay Safe and Happy Learning!