Yes, Earth's surface was effectively destroyed in The Expanse series through a devastating bombardment.
The Catastrophic Event
During the events depicted in The Expanse, Earth suffered immense and irreparable damage. The planet's surface was subjected to a brutal bombardment, a deliberate act of war that rendered much of it uninhabitable and irrevocably altered its ecosystem.
Who was Responsible?
The architect of this catastrophic attack was Marco Inaros, a radical leader of the Free Navy. Inaros orchestrated the bombardment as a profound act of vengeance, driven by centuries of perceived injustice. His motivation stemmed from the long-standing grievance that Earth, as a dominant superpower, had continuously disregarded and oppressed the Belter populace for two centuries.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Perpetrator | Marco Inaros (Free Navy) |
| Target | Earth's surface |
| Method | Bombardment (using stealth-coated asteroids) |
| Motivation | Vengeance for two centuries of Earth's disregard for Belter populace |
| Outcome | Effective destruction of Earth's surface; widespread devastation and loss of life |
The Aftermath and Consequences
The bombardment did not annihilate the planet itself, but it transformed Earth into a desolate ruin. Billions of lives were lost, and the global infrastructure collapsed. The atmosphere was choked with dust and debris, leading to a long-term struggle for survival for those who remained.
- Ecological Devastation: The impact events caused massive tsunamis, earthquakes, and widespread atmospheric contamination, making much of the surface hostile to life.
- Loss of Life: The human cost was staggering, with a significant portion of Earth's population perishing in the initial attacks and the subsequent environmental collapse.
- Political Shift: Earth's status as a dominant power in the Solar System was irrevocably shattered, leading to a significant shift in the political landscape of humanity.
- Refugee Crisis: Survivors faced dire conditions, with many becoming refugees dependent on external aid or struggling to adapt to the ruined world.
While the core of the planet remained, its ability to support its vast population and its role as the cradle of humanity were effectively eliminated. The "destruction" refers to the irreversible damage to its habitability and civilization, rather than its complete disintegration.
