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Accretion of nitrogen during the growth of planets

Abstract

The 15N/14N ratio measured in nitrogen of the terrestrial atmosphere is, or was, apparently widespread in the inner Solar System. Such an observation might suggest that this value (3.61 × 10−3) represents that of proto-solar material. However, I argue here that the original ratio was at least 20% lower, the presently observed value having resulted from significant isotopic fractionation, presumably caused by nebular condensation processes.

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Kerridge, J. Accretion of nitrogen during the growth of planets. Nature 283, 183–184 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1038/283183a0

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