Sorry, this page is no longer available
We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

History of Earth

Save
May 13, 2024 4 minute read

The history of Earth is a vast and complex topic that encompasses the planet's formation, evolution, and current state. It is a field of study that draws on a wide range of scientific disciplines, including geology, paleontology, biology, and astronomy. By studying the history of Earth, we can gain a deeper understanding of our planet and its place in the universe.

The Formation of Earth

Earth is thought to have formed about 4.5 billion years ago from a cloud of gas and dust that collapsed under its own gravity. As the cloud collapsed, it began to spin, and the material in the center became increasingly hot and dense. Eventually, the core of the Earth reached temperatures high enough for nuclear fusion to begin, and the planet became a star. However, Earth's gravity was not strong enough to hold onto all of the hydrogen and helium that was produced by nuclear fusion, and these gases eventually escaped into space. As a result, Earth did not become a true star, but instead became a planet.

The Evolution of Earth

Path to History of Earth

Take the first step.
We've curated two courses to help you on your path to History of Earth. Use these to develop your skills, build background knowledge, and put what you learn to practice.
Sorted from most relevant to least relevant:

Share

Help others find this page about History of Earth: by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Reading list

We've selected 12 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in History of Earth.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of the oceans, from their formation to the present day. It is written by a leading marine biologist, and it is packed with fascinating information.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of life on Earth, and it speculates on the future of life on Earth. It is written by one of the world's leading biologists, and it is packed with fascinating information.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of life on Earth, and it speculates on the future of life on Earth. It is written by a leading paleontologist, and it is packed with fascinating information.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of Earth, from its formation to the present day. It is written by a team of leading experts in the field, and it is packed with stunning illustrations.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of Earth, from its formation to the present day. It is written by a team of leading experts in the field, and it is packed with stunning photographs.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of Earth, from its formation to the present day. It is written by a team of leading experts in the field, and it is packed with stunning photographs and illustrations.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of the Earth's biosphere, from its formation to the present day. It is written by a leading expert in the field, and it is packed with up-to-date information.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of human impact on the Earth's environment. It is written by two leading experts in the field, and it is packed with up-to-date information.
Provides a detailed overview of the history of Earth's climate, from its formation to the present day. It is written by a team of leading climate scientists, and it is packed with up-to-date information.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of the oceans, from their formation to the present day. It is written in a clear and engaging style, and it is packed with fascinating information.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of the continents, from their formation to the present day. It is written in a clear and engaging style, and it is packed with fascinating information.
Table of Contents
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser