Violent volcanic lightning created the nitrogen compounds essential for the chemistry that led to life

The first direct evidence of nitrogen fixation from volcanic lightning has been found by a team of researchers from France and elsewhere. This work, which reinforces previous laboratory studies and theoretical models, supports models of prebiotic chemistry in which volcanic lightning plays a crucial role in synthesising nitrogen for essential prebiotic reactions.

The dinitrogen triple bond is one of the most stable in chemistry. Although the atmosphere comprises around 78% nitrogen, only a few nitrogen-fixing bacterial enzymes can break it and convert it into a bioavailable form. Other organisms obtain their nitrogen from the work of these bacteria. Nitrogenous fertilisers – mainly derived from ammonia – are also added artificially by humans. For life to emerge, however, bioavailable nitrogen must have emerged without life, and one of the principal suspects has long been lightning strikes.