Krypton study gives clues to the origin of Earth's atmosphere

Scientists studying krypton gas from deep under the surface of New Mexico believe they may have good evidence the Earth's atmosphere was born of meteorites. (New Scientist) Some experts believe the Earth's atmosphere was created when "gasses bubbled up out of the mantle via volcanoes." But the krypton study found mantle gasses are high in "heavy" isotopes. Our atmosphere, conversely, is composed of lighter isotopes, which more closely resembles gases found in meteorites.