This page is a permanent link to the reply below and its nested replies. See all post replies »
Pseudonym · 26-30, M
Well yes, but not because of living bodies adding to the mass of the Earth. Celestial bodies on the other hand, such as comets or asteroids, are gradually increasing the Earth's mass when they collide with it.
Interestingly, the atmosphere is actually losing mass. That is because the lightest elements such as hydrogen or helium are simply more buoyant than the gases that form air. These are being lost to space once they're high enough in the atmosphere.
Overall though, the effect of mass loss is massively outweighed by impact gains, so there is a net gain every year.🤓
Interestingly, the atmosphere is actually losing mass. That is because the lightest elements such as hydrogen or helium are simply more buoyant than the gases that form air. These are being lost to space once they're high enough in the atmosphere.
Overall though, the effect of mass loss is massively outweighed by impact gains, so there is a net gain every year.🤓