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 Which of the following statements best describes the iron catastrophe?
  • a)
    It marked the beginning of Earth’s oxygen-rich atmosphere some 2.5 billion to 2.3 billion years ago.
  • b)
    It is the explosive death of a star and often result in the star obtaining the brightness of 100 million Suns for a short time.
  • c)
    It occurs when the black hole distort the space around them and suck neighbouring matter into them including stars.
  • d)
    It is a geological event, where the earth’s temperature heated to the melting point of iron and leading to the formation of early core. 
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
Which of the following statements best describes the iron catastrophe?...
Iron Catastrophe and Planetary differentiation:
  • When Earth was formed about 4.5 billion years ago, it was a uniform ball of hot rock. Radioactive decay and leftover heat from planetary formation (the collision, accretion, and compression of space rocks) caused the ball to get even hotter. Eventually, after about 500 million years, our young planet’s temperature heated to the melting point of iron — about 1,538° Celsius. This pivotal moment in Earth’s history is called the iron catastrophe. Hence option (d) is the correct answer.
  • The iron catastrophe allowed greater, more rapid movement of Earth’s molten, rocky material. Relatively buoyant material, such as silicates, water, and even air, stayed close to the planet’s exterior. These materials became the early mantle and crust. Droplets of iron, nickel, and other heavy metals gravitated to the centre of Earth, becoming the early core. This important process is called planetary differentiation.
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Which of the following statements best describes the iron catastrophe?...
Iron Catastrophe
The iron catastrophe is a geological event that occurred in the early history of Earth. It refers to a period when the Earth's temperature rose to the melting point of iron, leading to the formation of the planet's core. This event played a crucial role in shaping the Earth's structure and composition.

Formation of Earth's Core
During the iron catastrophe, the Earth's temperature increased significantly, causing the iron in the planet's interior to melt. This molten iron then sank towards the center of the Earth due to its high density, forming the core of the planet. This process led to the separation of the Earth into distinct layers, with the core consisting mainly of iron and nickel.

Impact on Earth's Evolution
The formation of the Earth's core during the iron catastrophe had a profound impact on the planet's evolution. The core's formation generated a magnetic field around the Earth, which plays a crucial role in protecting the planet from harmful solar radiation. Additionally, the core's composition influences processes such as plate tectonics and volcanic activity, shaping the Earth's surface and atmosphere.

Significance in Geology
The iron catastrophe is a significant event in Earth's geological history as it marks a key moment in the planet's formation. Understanding this event helps scientists unravel the processes that shaped the Earth and continues to influence its dynamics to this day. By studying the iron catastrophe, researchers gain insights into the Earth's internal structure and evolution over billions of years.
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Which of the following statements best describes the iron catastrophe?a)It marked the beginning of Earth’s oxygen-rich atmosphere some 2.5 billion to 2.3 billion years ago.b)It is the explosive death of a star and often result in the star obtaining the brightness of 100 million Suns for a short time.c)It occurs when the black hole distort the space around them and suck neighbouring matter into them including stars.d)It is a geological event, where the earth’s temperature heated to the melting point of iron and leading to the formation of early core.Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
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Which of the following statements best describes the iron catastrophe?a)It marked the beginning of Earth’s oxygen-rich atmosphere some 2.5 billion to 2.3 billion years ago.b)It is the explosive death of a star and often result in the star obtaining the brightness of 100 million Suns for a short time.c)It occurs when the black hole distort the space around them and suck neighbouring matter into them including stars.d)It is a geological event, where the earth’s temperature heated to the melting point of iron and leading to the formation of early core.Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2025 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about Which of the following statements best describes the iron catastrophe?a)It marked the beginning of Earth’s oxygen-rich atmosphere some 2.5 billion to 2.3 billion years ago.b)It is the explosive death of a star and often result in the star obtaining the brightness of 100 million Suns for a short time.c)It occurs when the black hole distort the space around them and suck neighbouring matter into them including stars.d)It is a geological event, where the earth’s temperature heated to the melting point of iron and leading to the formation of early core.Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Which of the following statements best describes the iron catastrophe?a)It marked the beginning of Earth’s oxygen-rich atmosphere some 2.5 billion to 2.3 billion years ago.b)It is the explosive death of a star and often result in the star obtaining the brightness of 100 million Suns for a short time.c)It occurs when the black hole distort the space around them and suck neighbouring matter into them including stars.d)It is a geological event, where the earth’s temperature heated to the melting point of iron and leading to the formation of early core.Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?.
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