Meteorite Bombardment of Earth

About 4.5 billion years ago, during the beginning of the Hadean Era, meteorites and other space debris began to bombard the earth. Scientists are not sure about how this started, but there are many theories. The most commonly accepted theory is that two gas giants collided, creating an abnormal amount of meteorites. Another theory suggests that Saturn and Jupiter’s orbits synched and interrupted the orbit of other planets and the asteroid belt. Even though we don't know what started the meteorite bombardment of Earth, we know that we wouldn't be here without it.

Life on Earth wouldn’t be the same without the Late Heavy Bombardment. The majority of Earth’s water was brought by icy meteorites. When the meteorites struck Earth, they melted and created liquid water. Some scientists even believe that meteorites brought the first life to Earth. The meteorites also brought precious metals along with their frozen water. Silver, platinum, and gold were some of the main metals brought to Earth. Besides bringing materials to earth, the bombardment drastically changed our geography. Even though the damage is eroded, one can still see the effects of the meteorite bombardments. For billions of years, meteorites have brought and taken life on Earth.

References:
The late heavy bombardment ends. (n.d.). Retrieved from BBC website: 
     http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/earth/earth_timeline/ 
     late_heavy_bombardment#p006x4v3 

Scientist suggests comet and meteorite impacts made life on earth possible. 
     (n.d.). Retrieved from AstroBiology Magazine website: 
     http://www.astrobio.net/topic/solar-system/meteoritescomets-and-asteroids/ 
     scientist-suggests-comet-and-meteorite-impacts-made-life-on-earth-possible/ 

Photo from: earth-meteorites-gold-metals-110907-676678-.jpg