Lightning strikes during volcanic eruptions may have sparked life on Earth, Sorbonne research suggests
9 February 2024 13:24
Key events that shaped our humanity, which occurred millions of years ago, are believed to have happened in the areas now known as Turkey, Peru, and Italy. The sensational discovery from French scientists based at Sorbonne University, suggests that atmospheric discharges and volcanic phenomena may have led to the production of vast amounts of nitrogen, which may have contributed to the creation of life on the one planet we know to be inhabited.
Nitrogen is a key element found on our planet. When lightning strikes the ground during a storm, this element reacts with oxygen to form nitrogen oxide.
The research team theorised that when this compound was released into the soil, it created a fertile environment, providing ideal conditions for the development of the first microorganisms.
At present, no geological evidence can confirm this theory. However, scientists have found significant amounts of nitrates in volcanic deposits resulting from major eruptions. It is well known that this element and its compounds greatly impact living organisms.
"Life may have been created this way", a major discovery by Sorbonne's scientists
The presence of nitrates in the soil could have contributed to the creation and development of life. Slimane Bekki, the lead author of the study and an atmospheric science expert at Sorbonne University, proposes that volcanic lightning was the primary cause of humanity's emergence.
Bekki and his team conducted field research in Southern Peru, central Turkey, and along the coast of Naples, Italy - regions known for their ancient volcanic activity. This is where they discovered copious amounts of nitrates in the atmosphere-originated soil. The team is now focused on finding the missing link. With time, they hope to answer the question of how the key process of life creation took place.
This is not a standalone theory. Previously, Japanese researchers proposed that an object from another celestial body - a meteoroid, asteroid, or comet - served as a catalyst for creating the first, primitive organisms on our planet. The compounds brought by this random cosmic gift may have led to the formation of the first DNA structures.
