There are many theories about how life originated on our planet. Many scientists believe that meteorites carried the necessary basic ingredients to our planet. But a new study challenges this thesis and suggests that life began on our planet.
A new study led by the Sorbonne University in Paris reveals that ‘volcanic lightning’ in Turkey, Peru and Italy played an important role in the formation of extreme levels of nitrogen, facilitating the emergence of the first life forms.
“When you look at the different possibilities, volcanic lightning is the most likely,” says lead author Slimane Bekki, an atmospheric sciences expert at the Sorbonne. We know that when there is a big volcanic eruption, there is a lot of lightning.”
Volcanic lightning, unlike what we see in thunderstorms, is caused by the electrification of ash and water-rich smoke particles from the eruption of a volcano.
On January 15, 2022, the Tonga volcano erupted with such great force that it created the highest volcanic eruption ever recorded, reaching 57 kilometers. Scientists also recorded the most intense lightning rates ever.
Researchers study ancient volcano sites in Turkey, Italy and Peru
According to scientists, nitrogen, an essential element for life, reacts with oxygen when combined with lightning to form nitrous oxide, which is then released into the soil, creating fertile ground for life to emerge and flourish. The importance of volcanoes lies in their ability to ‘unlock’ nitrogen, one of the building blocks of our RNA and DNA.
As part of their research, Bekki and his team decided to visit regions known to be home to ancient volcanic remains. Conducting field research and analyzing material samples in Turkey, Peru and Italy, the scientists found significant amounts of nitrate, which is formed by the oxidation of nitrogen with sulfur and chlorine and originates from a volcano. The research shows that the large amounts of nitrate detected in the soil were formed in the atmosphere by lightning strikes, not directly by the volcano.
In fact, there have been many previous studies looking at the possible role of volcanoes. Because nitrogen is crucial for life and lightning can cause nitrogen to react, scientists thought that lightning strikes billions of years ago released nitrogen into the soil, which contributed to the beginning of life on Earth.
According to the authors of the new study, it is not only lightning from storms that drives life on Earth, but also volcanic lightning from erupting volcanoes. In a paper published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the researchers say this is the first field evidence of large-scale nitrogen detection.
Volcanoes are not only awe-inspiring symbols of nature’s power and fury, they may have played a crucial role in the formation of life on Earth. This groundbreaking research not only provides insight into atmospheric processes that may have favored the emergence of life on Earth, but also highlights the unique contribution of volcanic lightning to this complex puzzle.
Compiled from Daily Mail and earth.com news.
