The availability of nitrogen determines the amount of greenery on earth. According to scientists, all nitrogen used by plants comes from the air, but a new study found more than a quarter comes from the Earth's bedrock.
The rocks contain enough nitrogen, and it breaks down quickly enough to explain this mysterious gap. There is a large variation in the amount of nitrogen available from this newly discovered source, with more weathering occurring at northern latitudes due to the presence of nitrogen-rich rocks. In mountainous regions such as the Himalayas and Andes, rock nitrogen is abundant.
Nitrogen is an essential element that plays a crucial role in the functioning of ecosystems. It's interesting to note that nitrogen doesn't just come from the air or the soil, but it can also be released from rocks through natural processes. This phenomenon is known as "rock weathering."
When rocks undergo weathering, they break down over time due to various factors such as exposure to rainwater, temperature changes, and even biological activity. As you mentioned, this can happen through tectonic movements where the Earth's crust shifts, causing rocks to break apart. Additionally, rainwater can chemically react with the minerals present in rocks, leading to the release of nitrogen compounds.
The nitrogen that is released from these rocks enters ecosystems in the form of dissolved nitrogen compounds, such as ammonium and nitrate. These compounds are then carried by water, like streams and rivers, into nearby soil and water bodies. From there, plants and other organisms can take up these nitrogen compounds, utilizing them for their growth and metabolic processes.
This natural input of nitrogen from rock weathering is a fascinating example of how interconnected Earth's systems are. It's a part of the larger nitrogen cycle, where nitrogen moves between the atmosphere, soil, water, and living organisms. This process contributes to the fertility of soils and the overall health of ecosystems. Our Climate change poster that communicates to the whole world could be redesigned by adding the 'missing' Nitrogen source.
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