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Could Plate Tectonics Crack Open Earth's Deepest Mystery?

The article from Scientific American discusses how plate tectonics might explain the mystery of Earth's nitrogen cycle. Nitrogen, essential for life, is abundant in the atmosphere but its cycle—how it moves between the atmosphere, biosphere, and geosphere—remains poorly understood. Recent research suggests that plate tectonics plays a crucial role in this cycle. Subduction zones, where tectonic plates converge and one plate is forced under another, could be key. Here, nitrogen from the atmosphere can be trapped in the Earth's crust and mantle, then released back into the atmosphere through volcanic activity. This process not only recycles nitrogen but also helps regulate its levels over geological timescales, potentially stabilizing Earth's climate and supporting life. The article highlights how this understanding could refine models of Earth's habitability and inform the search for life on other planets.

Read the Full Scientific American Article at:
[ https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/plate-tectonics-may-be-the-surprising-solution-to-the-mystery-of-earths/ ]