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Published online 15 November 2009 | Nature | doi:10.1038/news.2009.1086
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Keeping the young Earth cosy
Fluctuating nitrogen levels may help to keep Earth habitable across eons.
Nitrogen now stored in the planetary crust and mantle may have prevented the early Earth from freezing, scientists suggest. The study lends weight to the idea that on geological timescales atmospheric pressure helps to regulate climate and habitability of Earth-like planets.
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