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Formation of the early Earth regolith

Abstract

Appropriate physical conditions for the origin of life could exist on the relic regolith grains. A regolith of this type could be formed on the entire surface of the Earth under the effect of space factors in the early epoch which was characterised by a strongly rarified atmosphere. In the subsequent epoch with a denser atmosphere and suitable conditions for the first occurrence of liquid water droplets such grains had to acquire a considerable biochemical activity.

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Nussinov, M., Vekhov, A. Formation of the early Earth regolith. Nature 275, 19–21 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1038/275019a0

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