Archean

The Archean Eon, spanning from approximately 4 billion to 2.5 billion years ago, marked a crucial period in Earth’s history. This era saw the formation of the planet’s earliest continents, the development of a primitive atmosphere, and the emergence of the first life forms.

Key characteristics of the Archean Eon:

Formation of continents: The Earth's crust began to solidify and form continents. These early landmasses were likely smaller and more unstable than today's continents.
Primitive atmosphere: The atmosphere was composed primarily of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and water vapor. There was little to no oxygen.
Emergence of life: The first life forms, simple single-celled organisms, appeared during this period. These early organisms were likely extremophiles, capable of thriving in harsh conditions.
Heavy bombardment: The end of the Archean Eon was marked by a period of intense asteroid and comet impacts, known as the Late Heavy Bombardment.

The Archean Eon provides valuable insights into the early evolution of our planet and the origins of life. While much remains unknown, this era represents a critical step in the development of the Earth as we know it today.