Quote:
Originally Posted by dhd40
Today´s Earth:
volume = V(now)=1.1*1021m³
Total surface area= 5.1*1014m²
Land surface area= 30% = 1.5*1014m²
From this follows Earth´s volume “before expansion”:
V(before)= 1.8*1020m³
Therefore V(before)/V(now)=16.4 %
i.e., Earth has expanded by a factor of 6 !!
Where did all this material come from?
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I proposed this mechanism
Hydrogen is absorbed into the Earth's core as dense plasma (dissociated protons/electrons) - possibly 'dissolved' in Fe. FeHx (x = large) is possible - one can imagine large magnetic field with spinning hot dust and gas. Later Earth cools and plasma reverts back to hydrogen atoms. H could be 95% of original Earth but in very condensed state. This would account for expansion and also for possible subsequent contraction as H reacts to form other compounds and H2 escapes into space. Process would only involve diameter change of a few mm per annum. There may also have been occasions of sudden release of Hydrogen or Hydrogen compounds leading to extinction events. Asteroid collision perhaps?
Appendix
FeHx inside planets
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science...eb9f17c517f136
I read somewhere that hydrogen can dissociate into electrons and protons when dissolved in metal under high temperature and pressure.