differentiation

Once hot, Earth’s interior could begin its chemical evolution. For example, outgassing of a fraction of volatile substances that had been trapped in small amounts within the accreting planet probably formed the earliest atmosphere. Outgassing of water to Earth’s surface began before 4.3 billion…

…is referred to as the differentiation of the Earth. The earliest thin crust was probably unstable and so foundered and collapsed to depth. This in turn generated more gravitational energy, which enabled a thicker, more stable, longer-lasting crust to form. Once Earth’s interior (or its mantle) was hot and liquid,…

…it underwent a process called differentiation, heating up due to the decay of radioactive isotopes, gravitational energy, and impacts from other bodies. This heat caused the planet to partially melt, allowing heavier elements like iron and nickel to sink towards the center, forming Earth’s core. Meanwhile, lighter elements rose to…