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History of Earth’s ClimateHistory of Earth’s Climate
Earth formed ~4.6 billion years agoEarth formed ~4.6 billion years ago
Originally very hotOriginally very hot
Sun’s energy output only 70% of Sun’s energy output only 70% of presentpresent
Liquid water present ~4.3 billionLiquid water present ~4.3 billionyears ago (zircon dating)years ago (zircon dating)
Much of earth’s early history erasedMuch of earth’s early history erasedduring late heavy bombardmentduring late heavy bombardment(~3.9 billion years ago)(~3.9 billion years ago)