Earth's early oceans

Earth’s early oceans formed about 4 billion years ago from volcanic activity and the condensation of water vapor released by eruptions and planet cooling. As the planet cooled, water vapor in the atmosphere condensed into liquid water, accumulating in basins and forming the first oceans. These primordial oceans were likely very different from today’s, characterized by high temperatures, acidic conditions, and abundant dissolved minerals. Over millions of years, they played a crucial role in fostering the development of early life and shaping Earth’s surface features, serving as a vital environment for chemical reactions and biological evolution.