Considering the Earth as an Open System

	Undergraduate - Professional Level	Considering the Earth as an Open System Charles Breiterman University of Maryland Resource submitted 3/3/02; Revised 7/31/03; Published 3/14/04 Contact Information
	Review Article
Win Mac UNIX		Abstract - This review article synthesizes research from several disciplines by conceiving of the Earth as an open system significantly influenced by inputs of matter from outer space. It surveys the topics of mass extinctions, transpermia, interplanetary dust and micrometeorites, delivery of complex pre-biotic organics molecules from space, ice ages, small comets and panspermia. The evidence, if verified by continuing investigations, shows that the Earth was an open system just after planet formation. Since then, the Earth has been significantly influenced by inputs of extraterrestrial matter, but the inputs are not critical to the sustained functioning of the system.


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Principal Editors Martin Ruzek, USRA Reviewers Martin Ruzek, Mark Johnsson and anonymous reviewers Reviewers', editors' and authors' notes and comments Peer Commentary Read what others think about this resource or add your own comments This resource has been accessed NN times since it was published	Requirements - Web Browser Size - 642 kB >>Read or use this resource online<< Printable version of this resource - PDF (3899 kB) http://jesse.usra.edu/archive/jesse03-400-05 Permanent URL of this resource for bookmarking etc. For figures 10, 12 and 13 (from Science magazine) readers may view, browse, and/or download material for temporary copying purposes only, provided these uses are for noncommercial personal purposes. Except as provided by law, this material may not be further reproduced, distributed, transmitted, modified, adapted, performed, displayed, published, or sold in whole or in part, without prior written permission from the publisher.
Citation: (Breiterman, 2004) - Breiterman, C., Considering the Earth as an Open System, Journal of Earth System Science Education, 1 (Article), JESSE-03-400-05, 2004 http://jesse.usra.edu/archive/jesse03-400-05
Copyright 2004 - Copyright for this resource remains with the author(s). JESSE has been granted a non-exclusive right to archive a copy of this resource for educational purposes. The authors grant fair use of this resource for educational purposes only. Commercial use or sale of this resource is prohibited without permission from the author(s).

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